Sarcocystis Cruzi Research Articles

Molecular detection of Colpodella sp. and other tick-borne pathogens in ticks of ruminants, Italy

Colpodella species are close relatives of Apicomplexan protozoa. Although most species of this genus are free-living organisms that feed on other protists and algae, reports indicate their occurence in ticks and human patients, including an individual with a history of tick bite manifesting neurological symptoms. During an investigation of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in blood samples of cattle, goats, and in ticks collected on them, Colpodella sp. DNA was detected in a Rhipicephalus bursa tick collected from cattle, while of Theileria sergenti/buffeli/orientalis, Babesia bigemina, Sarcocystis cruzi, Babesia spp., and Rickettsia spp. were molecularly detected in cattle, goats, and ticks in southern Italy. Data herein reported highlight the unprecedented presence of Colpodella sp. in ticks in Italy, raising concern due to the potential pathogenic role of this less known protozoan. This finding advocates for performing routine epidemiological surveys to monitor potential emerging vector-borne pathogens.

Detection of Sarcocystis hominis, Sarcocystis bovifelis, Sarcocystis cruzi, Sarcocystis hirsuta and Sarcocystis sigmoideus sp. nov. in carcasses affected by bovine eosinophilic myositis

Bovine eosinophilic myositis is an inflammatory myopathy characterized by multiple focal or diffuse grey to green patches leading to condemnation of affected carcasses. Although its etiology is still uncertain, there is evidence that Sarcocystis species may play a role in the development of eosinophilic myositis. The goal of the present study was to identify Sarcocystis spp. in intralesional and extralesional tissues of condemned cattle carcasses, in order to evaluate the possible role of different bovine Sarcocystis spp. in the etiology of bovine eosinophilic myositis. Muscle samples (n = 100) of 26 affected carcasses were collected in Northern Italy. One to five samples with lesions and two aliquots of tissue without lesions were collected from each carcass; lesions were grossly categorized in green focal lesions and green diffuse patches. Genomic DNA was extracted and analyzed by multiplex-PCR targeting different Sarcocystis spp. Unidentified species were characterized morphologically (light microscopy, histology), ultrastructurally (scanning and transmission electron microscopy) and on the molecular level (complete 18S rRNA gene and partial cox1 gene sequencing). A bovine eosinophilic myositis prevalence of 0.017% was visually assessed by routine carcass inspection between 2014 and 2019 in Italy (184/1,108,150 slaughtered cattle). Out of 26 carcasses, 25 revealed the presence of at least one Sarcocystis species (96.2%). The presence of Sarcocystis spp. DNA was significantly more frequent in intralesional than in extralesional samples. Considering the different species, Sarcocystis bovifelis and Sarcocystis hominis were significantly more frequent in intralesional (41.7% and 50%, respectively) than in extralesional samples (1.9% and 15.4%, respectively), while there was no significant difference between the presence of Sarcocystis cruzi and Sarcocystis hirsuta in intralesional (27.1% and 2.1%, respectively) and extralesional (30.8% and 1.9%, respectively) samples. The presence of an unnamed Sarcocystis sp. showing thick-walled (3.7–5.4 μm) cysts with densely packed, flattened, undulating and narrow protrusions, which showed an S-shape in side view, was recorded in the diaphragm of two carcasses. Genomic DNA from individual sarcocysts isolated from the diaphragm was successfully amplified and further sequenced. Sequence comparison revealed <94.6% and 83.4% identity at 18S rRNA and cox1 genes, respectively, with other named Sarcocystis spp., while the phylogenetic analysis clearly separated the unnamed Sarcocystis sp. from the other Sarcocystis spp. using cattle as intermediate hosts. The present study contributes to the understanding of the importance of different Sarcocystis spp. in the pathogenesis of bovine eosinophilic myositis. The results emphasize the association of Sarcocystis hominis and Sarcocystis bovifelis with bovine eosinophilic myositis and highlight the presence of a new Sarcocystis sp. using cattle as intermediate hosts. The name Sarcocystis sigmoideus sp. nov. is proposed for the newly described Sarcocystis species.

Bovine Piroplasma Populations in the Philippines Characterized Using Targeted Amplicon Deep Sequencing.

Molecular assays and capillary electrophoresis sequencing have been used to identify parasites in livestock. The low sample capacity, which increases labor and processing time, is one drawback. Targeted amplicon sequencing (Ampliseq) uses the fast and large sample capacity platform to identify parasites in the target host, overcoming this limitation. DNA was extracted from 162 whole blood samples collected from cattle in three provinces in the Philippines. Using Illumina's Miseq platform, the V4 hypervariable region of the piroplasma 18S rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced. The AMPtk pipeline was used to obtain distinct amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) and the NCBI BLAST non-redundant database was used to assign taxonomy. In total, 95 (58.64%) samples were positive for piroplasma. Using the AMPTk pipeline, 2179 ASVs were obtained. A total of 79 distinct ASVs were obtained after clustering and filtering, which belonged to genera Babesia (n = 58), Theileria (n = 17), Hepatozoon (n = 2), and Sarcocystis (n = 2). The ASV top hits were composed of 10 species: Babesia bovis, B. bigemina, Theileria orientalis, Babesia sp., Hepatozoon canis, Sarcocystis cruzi, T. annulata, T. equi, T. mutans, and Theileria sp. Thung Song. The results generated in this study demonstrated the applicability of Ampliseq in detecting piroplasmid parasites infecting cattle in the Philippines.

Molecular Identification, Pathogenesis, and Life Cycle of Sarcocystis cruzi from Cattle (Bos taurus) in New Valley Governorate, Egypt.

Sarcocystis cruzi was identified by molecular methods from an intermediate host, cattle (Bos taurus), in El-Kharga, New Valley Governorate, Egypt, and its life cycle and pathogenicity were studied in the final host, dogs (Canis familiaris). 600 slaughtered cattle aged 6-8 years (480/120 males/females) were included. In addition, three laboratory-bred, coccidian-free puppies aged 2-3 months were fed infected bovine muscles to locate the definitive host and analyze sporogony. 18S rRNA-specific gene primers were used for DNA amplification from esophageal muscles. These polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplicons were subjected to restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and molecular sequence analysis. Infection was detected in 78.8% (473/600; 95% CI, 75.56-82.11%). Histopathological examination of esophageal muscles showed oval- to spherical-shaped cysts, 96.7 μm wide by 326.9 μm long; cysts in cardiac muscles were ovoid and smaller. Infected puppies began shedding sporocysts in feces 7 days post-inoculation and showed distorted organ architecture, severe cellular damage, and inflammatory lesions in liver, kidney, esophagus, and stomach. Three oocysts with different shapes and sizes were identified. Partial 18S rRNA gene sequences of isolated New Valley sarcocysts were identical to S. cruzi isolated from different areas, verifying their genetic relatedness. Our analysis suggests that S. cruzi is the most prevalent in slaughtered cattle in New Valley Governorate, Egypt.

Development of a new quantification method of Sarcocystis cruzi through detection of the acetyl-CoA synthetase gene.

Sarcocystis cruzi is a member of the genus Sarcocystis, infecting bovine animals such as cattle and bison as intermediate hosts, and canids such as dogs and raccoon dogs as definitive hosts. Acute sarcocystosis of S. cruzi causes occasional symptoms in cattle, including weight loss, reduced milk production, abortions, and death, and similar to other Sarcocystis species can potentially cause food poisoning in humans when raw or undercooked infected cattle meat is consumed. Despite these issues, genetic information on S. cruzi is scarce, and there is no specific quantitative method for the detection and quantification of the parasite in infected cattle. In this study, we aimed to develop a method based on high-throughput sequencing of S. cruzi genome and transcriptome that specifically and quantitatively detects the S. cruzi acetyl-CoA synthetase gene (ScACS). Cardiac muscles were collected from slaughterhouses in Saitama Prefecture to obtain sarcocysts from which DNA and RNA were extracted for the high-throughput sequencing. Using the sequences, we developed a specific quantitative PCR assay which could distinguish S. cruzi ACS from that of Toxoplasma gondii by taking advantage of the differences in their exon/intron organizations and validated the assay with the microscopic counting of the S. cruzi bradyzoites. Thus, this assay will be useful for future studies of S. cruzi pathogenesis in cattle and for the surveillance of infected animals, thereby easing public health concerns.

Redescription, deposition of life-cycle stage specimens of Sarcocystis bovifelis Heydorn, Gestrich, Mehlhorn and Rommel, 1975, and amendment to Sarcocystis hirsuta Moulé, 1888.

There is considerable debate concerning the life cycles and taxonomy of Sarcocystis species in cattle. Of the 8 species of Sarcocystis named from cattle, 2 (Sarcocystis cruzi and Sarcocystis heydorni) are morphologically distinctive because their sarcocysts are microscopic and the sarcocyst wall is thin (<0.5 μm thick). The sarcocysts of the remaining species (Sarcocystis hirsuta, Sarcocystis hominis, Sarcocystis bovini, Sarcocystis bovifelis, Sarcocystis sinensis, Sarcocystis rommeli) have thick (5–8 μm) walls indistinguishable by light microscopy, alone. To provide needed clarity, I herein review the history, nomenclature and life cycle of S. bovifelis (originally named by Heydorn and associates from Germany), redescribe it and deposit specimens of its various life-cycle stages at a museum for future reference. I also provide means to distinguish this parasite from S. hirsuta. Cats are the definitive hosts for both S. bovifelis and S. hirsuta. The sarcocysts of S. bovifelis are microscopic, its sarcocyst wall is type 10g, it has 2 schizogonic stages in blood vessels and sarcocysts are formed between 25 and 30 days post-inoculation in striated muscles, but not in the heart. Sporulated oocysts are 17.1 × 12.7 μm and sporocysts are 12.8 × 8.4 μm. The sarcocysts of Sarcocystis hirsuta are macroscopic, up to 7 mm long, its wall is type 18. Nothing is known of the development of S. hirsuta in cattle tissues and in cat intestine. Size of its oocysts and sporocysts is uncertain.

Sarcocystis cruzi

This datasheet on Sarcocystis cruzi covers Identity, Distribution, Hosts/Species Affected.

Sarcocystis cruzi in Egyptian slaughtered cattle (Bos taurus): epidemiology, morphology and molecular description of the findings.

Sarcocystis spp. are one of the most common foodborne tissue cyst-forming coccidia with a public health and veterinary concern. The existing study aimed to rectify the epidemiological profile of Sarcocystis spp. infection in the cattle carcasses as well as to explore the structure and phylogenetic features of Sarcocystis spp. isolates. A total of 292 cattle carcasses were checked for the existence of sarcocysts using light microscopy (LM) via muscle squash (MS) and peptic digestion (PD) analysis from January 2020 to December 2020. Individual sarcocysts from different cattle tissues were selected for morphologic characterization and DNA extraction. Each sarcocyst's 18S rDNA gene was amplified, sequenced, and analyzed. Overall, 92.5% (270/292) of cattle tissue samples contained microscopic thin walled sarcocysts and were exclusively found in esophagus by light microscopy. A statistically insignificant relationship exists between the prevalence of infection and age groups, gender of cattle, and the seasonal dynamics (P>0.05). Sarcocysts ultrastructural features were completely discussed. Sequencing of 18S rDNA Sarcocystis gene confirmed S. cruzi (identity 99-100%), which was the first molecular identification of the current isolate in the study region. The current survey initially provides a brief account of knowledge about the epidemiology of Sarcocystis spp. infecting cattle and it is considered a starting point for the development of health awareness and efficient preventive schemes for this zoonotic protozoan parasite.

Sarcocystis cruzi infection in free-living European bison (Bison bonasus bonasus L.) from the Białowieża Forest, Poland - A molecular analysis based on the cox1 gene.

European bison are susceptible to a range of pathogens which may influence their health, and hence, to ensure their protection, it is essential to provide effective monitoring of potential exposure. This study presents the first molecular confirmation of Sarcocystis cruzi infection in European bison based on PCR amplification of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) gene. A sample of heart tissue taken from one fifteen-year-old European bison cow was examined by light microscopy for the presence of heart sarcocysts. The genomic DNA isolated from any identified sarcocysts was subjected to PCR to amplify cox1 gene sequences, and the obtained amplicons were sequenced by Sanger dideoxy sequencing. Two partial cox1 sequences were obtained; they were identified as S. cruzi and deposited in the GenBank™ database under the accession numbers MW490605 and MW490606. BLAST analysis found them to demonstrate the closest similarity to S. levinei (MH255771-MH255779 and KU247874-KU247884), sharing an identity of 93.14–93.8 %. This is the first report to identify sarcocysts isolated from heart tissue of infected European bison living in the Białowieża forest to species level using cox1 analysis. Our findings confirm that the European bison is a natural intermediate host for S. cruzi. As such, coordinators of future conservation programmes should consider the impact of these diseases on reintroduced animals.

Preliminary findings and molecular characterization of thin-walled Sarcocystis species in hearts of cattle and buffaloes in Thailand, Lao PDR, and Cambodia.

Cattle and buffaloes, popular protein sources worldwide, are intermediate hosts for several Sarcocystis species. These coccidian protozoans cause sarcocystosis resulting in subclinical and chronic infections in striated muscles by forming macrocysts or microcysts. In Thailand, Lao People's Democratic Republic, and Cambodia, Sarcocystis species have been reported, but molecular identification has been lacking. This study investigates the prevalence of infection, histo-morphology, and molecular identification of Sarcocystis species in hearts of cattle and buffalo sold in local markets. A phylogenetic tree inferred from a portion of the 18S ribosomal (r) RNA gene was used to identify the genus and species of Sarcocystis. The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox-1 gene) was sequenced to confirm the species of host tissue. In Thailand, Sarcocystis was detected in 66.7% (14/21) of samples. In Lao People's Democratic Republic, 90% (9/10) of samples were infected and in Cambodia 100% (8/8). For the first time from these countries, we report Sarcocystis cruzi, Sarcocystis heydorni, and Sarcocystis levinei found in taurine cattle (Bos taurus) and water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Zoonotic protozoan transmission needs to be controlled by inspection activities by local health inspectors, and appropriate action is required at all points in the food chain by competent authorities to protect consumer health and prevent sarcocystosis in cattle and water buffaloes.

Molecular identification using 18S ribosomal RNA of Sarcocystis spp. in bovine minced meat in Van Province, Turkey

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and molecular characterization of Sarcocystis spp. in bovine minced meat that is sold in various grocery stores and butcher shops in Van Province of Turkey. For this purpose a total of 150 samples were obtained from İpekyolu, Tuşba, Edremit, Erciş, and Gevaş districts of Van Province in monthly periods from May to October 2019. 28% (42/150) were found positive for Sarcocystis species as a result of the microscopic analyses and 96.6% (145/150) were found positive for Sarcocystis species as a result of the multiplex-PCR and RFLP methods. Sarcocystis cruzi (96.6%) was detected in all samples that were detected positive using molecular methods. Sarcocystis hominis-like was found in 143 (95%) samples whereas S. hirsuta was detected in only 4 (2.6%) samples. According to the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLASTN) analysis of the 18S rRNA gene region of the S. cruzi (MN832695) and S. hirsuta (MN832697) isolates, they showed 100% similarity to the samples (MH681972; MH681973) that were submitted to GenBank from China. The BLASTN analysis of the 18S rRNA gene region of the S. hominis-like isolate (MN832696) revealed that it was 99.45% identical to the S. bovini (KT901155) isolated from a water buffalo in New Zealand. In conclusion, the molecular characterization of Sarcocystis spp. has been provided for the first time in Van Province, and the first unverified scientific data for S. bovini has been established in this study.

Investigation of Sarcocystis spp. in slaughtered cattle and sheep by peptic digestion and histological examination in Sulaimani Province, Iraq.

Background and Aim:Sarcocystosis is a zoonotic infection caused by various species of Sarcocystis organisms with a worldwide geographic distribution. This study investigated the presence of Sarcocystis organisms in cattle and sheep slaughtered at an abattoir in Sulaimani Province in North Iraq.Materials and Methods:A total of 130 muscle samples were collected during May, June, and July of 2020, including 80 samples from sheep and 50 samples from cattle. Samples were examined visually for macrosarcocysts. The peptic digestion method was used to analyze fresh muscle tissue samples for detecting microsarcocysts followed by microscopic examination. Furthermore, muscle samples were fixed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histopathological examination.Results:In the gross examination, macroscopic cysts were not detected in both cattle and sheep; hence, all the prevalence data were obtained through microscopic observation of muscle samples. The peptic digestion method revealed the presence of banana-shaped bradyzoites in 90% and 92.5% of slaughtered cattle and sheep muscle samples, respectively. Organ-wise prevalence revealed that 95% and 92% of esophageal samples of sheep and cattle contained Sarcocystis spp., respectively Moreover, 90% and 88% of sheep and cattle diaphragms were respectively infected. Histopathological examination of tissue sections revealed two morphologically distinct types of microsarcocysts, including thin-walled and thick-walled, in both sheep and cattle.Conclusion:The suspected Sarcocystis spp. were Sarcocystis tenella and Sarcocystis arieticanis in sheep and Sarcocystis cruzi and Sarcocystis bovifelis or Sarcocystis hominis in cattle. Infective stages of different Sarcocystis spp. are widespread in the study area environment.

Molecular characterization of Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis spp. in raw kibbeh and other meat samples commercialized in Botucatu, Southeastern Brazil.

Toxoplasmosis occurs worldwide causing economic losses to the animal production and problems to the public health. The study aimed to detect Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis spp.in 141 meat products from commercial meat cuts of pork, beef, and kibbeh sold in commercial markets from Botucatu, SP, Brazil. Samples were bioassayed in mice to isolate the parasite, and the parasite DNA detected by PCR targeting the 529 base pairs repeat element region (PCR-529-bp). All samples resulted negative on bioassay, whereas PCR positive for 9 (6,38%), distributed as 5/48 beef, 3/49 pork, and 1/44 kibbeh. PCR-positive were investigated for the the parasite genotype using multiplex-, nested-, and RFLP-PCR for 11 markers (SAG1, 5'-3'SAG2, alt.SAG2, SAG3, B-TUB, GRA6, L358, c22-8, c29-6, PK1, Apico). Complete genotype was determined on just one PCR-positive sample that matched MAS, TgCkBr89 and TgCkBr147 isolates already identified. In addition, nested- and RFLP-PCR targeting 18S rRNA was run for all PCR-positive samples and, the products, sequenced and aligned to the GenBank at NCBI website. Four samples showed 100% homology with T. gondii (GenBank #L37415.1), three with Sarcocystis hominis (GenBank #AF006471.1), two Sarcocystis cruzi (GenBank #AF176934.1), and one Sarcocystis hirsuta (GenBank #AF006469.1), indicating the circulation of T. gondii and Sarcocystis spp.

Associative genetic diversity among Sarcocystis cruzi isolates from Northern India based on 18S ribosomal gene.

Sarcocystis cruzi is perhaps the most common Sarcocystis spp. affecting cattle throughout the world. Despite its wide presence across Indian subcontinent, very limited studies are reported from India describing the phylogenetics of the parasite. The present communication describes the phylogenetic characterization of various isolates of S. cruzi. The isolates were characterized at 18S gene locus. An appreciable among of genetic variability was noticed between various S. cruzi isolates. Sequences generated from the present study (MN121572-MN121576) represented two haplotypes with 99.0-100.0% nucleotide homology within themselves. Alongside, nucleotide homology of 98.36-100.0% was observed between Indian isolates and isolates across the globe. The two haplotypes were markedly distinct from each other with 10 nucleotide substitutions within themselves. Moreover, there was a deletion of G nucleotide at position 545 in one of the sequences (MN121575). In general, the Indian isolates were seen closer to isolates from China than to the isolates from Iran, Argentina, Japan, Australia and Netherlands. Results clearly depicted the presence of multiple lineages of S. cruzi in Indian cattle. The findings are very much important in delineating the evolutionary phylogenetics of S. cruzi from India and abroad.

Serologic reactivity of canine sera to Sarcocystis neurona and Sarcocystis cruzi antigens.

Sarcocystis neurona, a coccidian parasite shed by opossums (Didelphis spp.) in the Americas, is the major cause of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) and induces disease in other domestic and wild animal species, including domestic dogs. Sarcocystis cruzi, despite its low pathogenicity for cattle (intermediate hosts), is worldwide distributed and uses mostly dogs as definitive hosts. The aims of this study were to test serological reactivities of dog sera to S. neurona and S. cruzi antigens, and to investigate potential serological cross-reactivity to these parasites. Sera from 353 Brazilian dogs were obtained from rural areas in the municipality of Ilhéus, Bahia, and examined by immunofluorescent antibody tests (IFAT). Antigens used in serological reactions consisted of S. neurona merozoites from a North American strain (SN138), and bradyzoites of S. cruzi obtained from Brazilian bovine hearts, with parasite species identity confirmed by PCR and sequencing of the 18S gene of the rDNA. Seropositivity to S. neurona and to S. cruzi were detected in 3.39% (12/353) and 4.81% (17/353) of the dogs, respectively. Ten canine sera reacted solely to S. neurona and 15 serum samples reacted only to S. cruzi. Two serum samples were simultaneously positive for both parasites. Sera from 14 dogs that tested positive by IFAT (9 for S. neurona and 3 for S. cruzi) and from two dogs that were negative by IFAT for the two parasites, were examined by Western blot using S. neurona as antigen; these sera reacted to a great number of protein bands, including antigens on the 16 and 30 KDa positions, which encompass immunodominant antigens for S. neurona in horses. Western blot did not show any specific pattern for S. neurona infection/exposure using canine sera. Dogs act as definitive hosts for several Sarcocystis spp. that infect farm animals, including horses, sheep, goats, water buffaloes and pigs, and for this reason, should contain antibodies to a broad repertoire of Sarcocystis spp. antigens. In conclusion, low percentages of dogs from rural areas of Ilhéus, Bahia, were reactive to both S. neurona and S. cruzi antigens. It is possible that other Sarcocystis species, besides S. neurona and S. cruzi, might have contributed for the seropositivity observed in this study. IFAT was more specific than Western blot to differentiate canine serological reactions to S. neurona and S. cruzi antigens.

Molecular identification targeting cox1 and 18S genes confirms the high prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. in cattle in the Netherlands

The reported prevalence of Sarcocystis infection in cattle in Europe ranges between 66 and 94%. Although in the Netherlands a prevalence of 100% was reported in 1993, this study aimed to develop a method for sensitive and specific molecular detection and species identification of Sarcocystis spp., in order to provide more recent data on the prevalence and identification of these protozoa in cattle meat intended for human consumption in the Netherlands. For this purpose, 104 cattle samples were obtained from Dutch slaughterhouses. Genomic DNA was extracted, and analysed by 18S and cox1 PCR. Magnetic capture was used to extract and amplify 18S-specific DNA. Sarcocystis DNA was detected in 82.7% of the samples. PCR amplicons of both targets were sequenced, and sequence identities of ≥97% were observed for Sarcocystis cruzi (65.4%), Sarcocystis hominis (12.5%), Sarcocystis bovifelis (8.7%), Sarcocystis hirsuta and Sarcocystis heydorni (both 1.0%). Mixed infections were observed in 17.3% of the samples. The magnetic capture was not significantly more sensitive compared with standard DNA extraction, but magnetic capture did add to the overall sensitivity. Using cox1 sequencing, all species are clearly distinguished, whereas for 18S the variation between species is limited, which particularly hampers reliable identification of thick walled Sarcocystis spp. Furthermore, the detection of 12.5% S. hominis and 1% S. heydorni points towards an established transmission route between cattle and humans in the Netherlands. The availability of four additional well-identified and well-referenced S. hominis cox1 sequences in public databases enables development of species-specific diagnostic PCRs targeting cox1, which in combination with magnetic capture could provide the means to determine the prevalence of human sarcocystosis.

PCR-RFLP at 18S rRNA gene for identification of Sarcocystis species and their prevalence in cattle of Andhra Pradesh

In the present study, the species specific determination of Sarcocystis cysts isolated from 137 naturally infected and slaughtered cattle from different regions of Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, India was achieved by PCR-RFLP. Diagnosis of sarcocysts in cattle was based on macroscopic examination and pepsin digestion method. Genomic DNA was extracted individually from bradyzoites of all 137 sarcocystosis positive cattle and all the isolates were characterized at 18S rRNA. Digestion of PCR amplicons (900 bp) with restriction endonuclease revealed 3 different electromorphs which were referred to Sarcocystis cruzi (513 and 343 bp), S. hirsuta (525, 241 and 141 bp) and S. fusiformis (532 and 335 bp). Sarcocystis cruzi (93.43%) was significantly more prevalent in comparison with the S. hirsuta (4.38%) and S. fusiformis (2.19%). Infection of cattle with S. hominis was not observed in the study area. Occurrence of S. fusiformis in cattle supports that Sarcocystis species of buffaloes are not strictly intermediate host specific however can infect cattle.

Sarcocystosis with thin Wall Cyst in Cardiac Muscle of Bullock : A Case Report

Sarcocystosis is a parasitic zoonoses caused by species of Sarcocystis, an intracellular protozoan parasite in the phylum Apicomplexa. In cattle Sarcocystis is mainly caused by Sarcocystis cruzi, Sarcocystis hominis and Sarcocystis hirsute. Bovine sarcocystosis caused by Sarcocystis cruzi mainly by ingesting the protozoan eggs through feed. The infection is mainly characterized by cyst formation in muscular tissue. Heart, diaphragm and skeletal muscles are the preferred locations for Sarcocystis spp in intermediate host and are more prevalent in adult animals (Rao and Hafeez, 2002). Bovine Sarcocystis results in weight loss, anorexia, decreased milk production, anemia, and prostration and in fatal cases often culminating in death of animals (Dafedar et al., 2011). The significance of bovine Sarcocystis infection prompted us to put the present case on record.

Detection and Identification of Sarcocystis cruzi (Protozoa: Apicomplexa) by Molecular and Ultrastructural Studies in Naturally Infected Korean Cattle (Bos taurus coreanae) from Daejeon, Korea

To survey the prevalence of Sarcocystis infections, 210 heart samples were collected from Korean native cattle (Bos taurus coreanae) at an abattoir in Daejeon Metropolitan City, Republic of Korea. Sarcocysts were detected form 31 specimens (14.8%) and identified as Sarcocystis cruzi via transmission electron microscopy. The wall of S. cruzi has flattened protrusions that did not contain fibrils or microfilaments. The protrusions arose irregularly from the base, contained a fine granular substance, lacked internal microfilaments, and measured approximately 0.21–1.25 μm in length and 0.05–0.07 μm in width. Sequence analysis revealed 99.5% homology to S. cruzi. This is the first report on the prevalence of S. cruzi in native cattle from the Republic of Korea.

Prevalence of Enteric Protozoan Oocysts with Special Reference to Sarcocystis cruzi among Fecal Samples of Diarrheic Immunodeficient Patients in Iran.

The genus Sarcocystis is not usually considered as an important enteric pathogen in immune compromised patients. It might be expected that species for which humans are the final host (Sarcocystis hominis and Sarcocystis suihominis as well as possibly others) would be encountered increasingly often in immunodeficient persons. This study aimed to address how to detect and differentiate Sarcocystis oocysts and/or sporocysts from enteric protozoans in the diarrheal samples of immunodeficient patients in Shiraz, Iran. Diarrheal samples of 741 immunodeficient patients with recurrent persistent or chronic diarrhea were examined by microscopy and molecular biological analysis. Oocysts-positive samples were 68 Cryptosporidium spp., 9 Cystoisospora belli (syn. Isospora belli), 2 Cyclospora cayetanensis, and 15 microsporidia (Enterocytozoon bieneusi). Sarcocystis-like sporocysts found from a woman were identified as Sarcocystis cruzi through 18S rDNA amplification and phylogenetic analysis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of S. cruzi from a human.