¿ Blastocystis sp. O B. hominis ? ¿ PROTO zOARIO O Ch RO mIs TA ?I ¿ Blastocystis sp. OR B. hominis ? ¿ PROTO zOA OR C hRO mIsT?

Blastocystis spp . is the etiologic agent of blastocistosis. It is one of the major intestinal parasites affecting humans with a widespread geographic distribution, including Venezuela. It was originally named Blastocystis hominis and associated to fungi or protozoa. Nevertheless, recent phylogenetic studies with molecular tools revealed a closer relationship of this species with Stramenopiles or Chromists. Furthermore, it has a high genetic diversity being considered a complex of several genotypes or subtypes (ST), which strongly suggest limiting the name to Blastocystis spp . Thus, Blastocystis hominis is an invalid taxon. The need for homogenizing taxonomic and systematic nomenclatures of Blastocystis spp ., is highlighte