Sarcocystis Sp Research Articles

シカ肉中の<i>Sarcosystis</i>が原因として疑われた有症苦情

A case of the suspected food poisoning related to deer meat occurred in December, 2011 in Shiga prefecture in Japan. Four of 18 people showed transient diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting within 5 to 16 hr after eating. No typical food poisonous bacteria and viruses were detected in the food samples. Parasitological tests were performed on the deer meat, and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan for horsemeat food poisoning were officially notified. A 1,100-bp DNA fragment was amplified by PCR from three slices of the deer meat, suggesting the presence of Sarcocystis sp. Cysts and bradyzoites were detected in the specimens of the deer meat. Immunohistochemical staining of the cysts detected in the deer meat with an antibody against the toxic 15 kDa protein of S. fayeri showed a positive reaction. This indicated that a similar toxic protein originating from Sarcocystis cysts was present in the deer meat. This suggested that the deer meat containing Sarcocystis cysts was the causative food in these cases of food poisoning.

HELMINTIASIS GASTROINTESTINAL EN PERROS PASTORES DE COMUNIDADES GANADERAS DE PUNO, PERÚ.

The frequency of gastrointestinal helminths in sheepdogs of Ajoyani and Macusani districts in the province of Carabaya, and in the districts of Ocuvíri, Palca, Lampa, and Santa Lucía in the province of Lampa, Puno, Peru was determined. Stool samples were collected from 352 crossbreed dogs, mostly adults and apparently healthy, during January to March 2008. The coproparasitological evaluation was done by the methods of flotation with sugar solution or Sheather’s, and by the spontaneous sedimentation technique. Samples were preserved in both 10% formaldehyde and 2.5% bichromate. The resulted showed 20.5 ± 4.2% of dogs were infected with gastrointestinal helminthes. The frequency of dogs with eggs of Taenia was 14.5 ± 3.7%, Trichuris vulpis was 2.6 ± 1.7%, Capillaria sp was 0.9 ± 1%, while for Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, and Ancylostoma sp was 1.4 ± 1.2% each. Besides, the frecuency of Sarcocystis sp was 9.1 ± 3%, Entamoeba coli was 16.5 ± 3.9%, and Isospora sp was 11.9 ± 3.4%. Age, sex, and agro-climatic zone were not considered risk factors for gastrointestinal parasitism. Monoparasitism occurred in 90.9% of dogs with parasite infections. Analysis of samples preserved with 10% formaldehyde or 2.5% bichromate showed similar results and therefore both substances were considered moderately consistent and mutually replaceable according to the Kappa and Mc Nemar tests.

Morphological and molecular characterization and phylogenetic placement of Sarcocystis capreolicanis and Sarcocystis silva n. sp. from roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in Norway

Sarcocysts were isolated from the muscle tissue of three roe deer from southeastern Norway and examined by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and/or sequencing of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (ssu rRNA) gene. By light microscopy, four sarcocyst types were found, including those of Sarcocystis gracilis and Sarcocystis oviformis, which had been characterized previously. The third cyst type had about 10μm long, flexible, hair-like surface protrusions, consistent with those of Sarcocystis capreolicanis, and differed genetically from other known species. The name S. capreolicanis was therefore assigned to this sequence type. The fourth cyst type had densely packed, upright, finger-like surface protrusions, about 8μm long, and was morphologically similar to an unnamed Sarcocystis sp. reported from roe deer in other countries, and identical at the ssu rRNA gene to Sarcocystis sp. Type D previously reported from moose. This species was assigned the new name Sarcocystis silva. Both S. capreolicanis and S. silva displayed considerable intraspecific variation at the ssu rRNA gene. In phylogenetic analyses based on ssu rRNA gene sequences, S. capreolicanis grouped together with other canine-transmitted Sarcocystis species, whereas S. silva was most closely related to Sarcocystis rangiferi and Sarcocystis tarandi of reindeer. Roe deer muscles containing numerous cysts of S. gracilis were fed to a silver fox (Vulpes vulpes) and a blue fox (Vulpes lagopus), both of which started shedding Sarcocystis sporocysts in their faeces 9days later, and harboured numerous oocysts, measuring about 20 × 15μm, in their intestinal mucosa upon euthanasia 14days post-inoculation. DNA derived from these oocysts was amplified and sequenced at the ssu rRNA gene and belonged to S. gracilis, confirming for the first time by molecular methods that foxes are definitive hosts for this species.

Prevalence pattern and biology of Sarcocystis capracanis infection in the Egyptian goats: A light and ultrastructural study

Cysts of Sarcocystis capracanis obtained from infected goats were examined to clarify the effect of the parasite on the host. Muscle tissues from fresh oesophagus, tongue, diaphragm and skeletal muscles of 680 goats were slaughtered in the main abattoir of Cairo, Egypt and they were examined microscopically for Sarcocystis infection for the first time in Egypt. 540 out of 680 (79.4%) of examined goats were found to be infected with Sarcocystis sp. The infection was recorded firstly by light microscopy as spindle shaped cysts embedded in the muscle tissues. The validity of this species as S. capracanis was confirmed by means of ultrastructural characteristics of the primary cyst wall which revealed the presence of thick-radially striated wall with finger like projections, underlined by a thick layer of ground substance enclosing the developing metrocytes and merozoites that usually contain nearly all the structures of the apical complex and fill the interior cavity of the cyst. The cyst cavity is divided by many septa extending from the ground substance and producing large number of chambers. An experimental infection using the highly infected muscles was carried out to determine the final host, which is dog. Smears of intestinal epithelium were taken to examine the endogenous stages (gamogony and sporogony) by means of light microscopy. These stages were mainly observed as to infect the lamina propria of the posterior third of the small intestine. Gamogony and zygote formation (fertilization) occurred 2–8 days post infection, while sporulation took place within the final host 13–15 days and sporocysts were passed within faeces of the infected puppies at that time. The prepatent period of S. capracanis was 12–15 days, while the patent period was extended to 37 days. In goats, infection with S. capracanis led to the loss of weight, anaemia, abortion and even death in cases of heavy infection. While bleeding, watery faeces filled with mucous on 5th and 8th day p.i. as well as intestinal lesions are the pathogenic effects occurred in puppies after experimental infection.

Natural Fatal Sarcocystis Falcatula Infections in Free-Ranging Eagles in North America

Three bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and 1 golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) were admitted to rehabilitation facilities with emaciation, lethargy, and an inability to fly. Intravascular schizonts and merozoites were present in 2 bald eagles, mainly in the lung tissue, whereas the third bald eagle and the golden eagle had lymphohistiocytic encephalitis with intralesional schizonts and merozoites. In all eagles, protozoal tissue cysts were present in skeletal musculature or heart. The protozoal organisms were morphologically compatible with a Sarcocystis sp. By immunohistochemistry, the protozoal merozoites were positive for Sarcocystis falcatula antigen in all cases when using polyclonal antisera. Furthermore, the protozoa were confirmed to be most similar to S. falcatula by polymerase chain reaction in 3 of the 4 cases. To the authors' knowledge, this report presents the first cases of natural infection in eagles with S. falcatula as a cause of mortality.

Systemic sarcocystosis in a patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome

Sarcocystis sp is a tissue coccidian parasite in humans that causes intestinal and muscular sarcocystosis in immunocompetent patients. Intestinal sarcocystosis can be diagnosed at the tissue level in the lamina propria of the small bowel and by fecal examination. Muscular sarcocystosis is diagnosed by microscopic examination of muscle biopsies. This report describes a case of systemic sarcocystosis in an HIV-infected patient. We studied a 31-year-old patient with AIDS, chronic diarrhea, cholestatic hepatitis, and musculoskeletal pain by stool analysis and endoscopy with duodenal and liver biopsy specimens that were processed for routine histology. The microgamete and macrogamete stages of Sarcocystis sp were present in the lamina propria, with sporulated oocysts in feces. Schizont stages of the protozoa were found in liver biopsy. In summary, sarcocystosis should be considered another opportunistic infection in HIV-infected patients.

Aborto ovino associado com infecção por Sarcocystis sp

Infecções por protozoários têm distribuição mundial e podem causar aborto, nascimentos prematuros e ou morte fetal em diversas espécies animais. Em julho de 2004, oito ovinos Corriedale apresentaram problemas reprodutivos caracterizados por aborto e natimortalidade no terço final da gestação. Dessas oito perdas, um natimorto macho foi enviado ao Setor de Patologia Veterinária para necropsia. Alterações macroscópicas não foram observadas durante a necropsia. Lesões histológicas foram observadas principalmente no cérebro e coração e se caracterizaram por encefalite não-supurativa multifocal acentuada associada à presença de protozoários no interior de células endoteliais e vasos sanguíneos e miocardite não-supurativa focal leve. Alguns desses organismos apresentaram formato de roseta. O teste de imunoistoquímica anti-Toxoplasma gondii foi negativo, mas houve reação cruzada com anticorpo anti-Neospora caninum. O exame de imunofluorescência direta para Leptospira sp. foi negativo. A bacteriologia aeróbica e micro-aeróbica não revelou crescimento significativo. Esses achados foram compatíveis com o diagnóstico de Sarcocystis sp.

Chronic Polymyositis Associated with Disseminated Sarcocystosis in a Captive-born Rhesus Macaque

A 2-year-old, captive-born, clinically healthy male, rhesus macaque, was euthanatized as part of an experimental study. At necropsy, diffuse pale streaking of the trunk, lumbar, and limb muscles were noted macroscopically. On histology, numerous elongated cysts that contained crescent-shaped basophilic spores were found in the fibers of skeletal muscles. Scattered affected myofibers were degenerate and accompanied by eosinophilic-to-granulomatous inflammation. Sarcocysts had prominent villus-like projections with the morphology of a type 11 sarcocyst wall similar to Sarcocystis neurona but possessing many more villus microtubules than is reported for S. neurona. In addition, bradyzoites were very long, up to approximately 12 microm in length. The protozoa were consistent with a Sarcocystis sp., based on histology and ultrastructure, however, a definitive identification of the species was not possible. Nonspecific immunohistochemical crossreaction with Sarcocystis cruzi antisera was observed. The 18S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid sequence showed 91% similarity to Sarcocystis hominis, 90% similarity to Sarcocystis buffalonis, and 89% similarity to Sarcocystis hirsuta. Interestingly, the ITS1 sequence showed very little homology to any sequence in GenBank, suggesting that this is possibly a unique Sarcocystis sp. Sarcocystosis is often considered an incidental finding, particularly in wild-caught animals, with little clinical significance. However, as demonstrated in this report and others, disseminated sarcocystosis can occur in captive-born rhesus macaques with or without clinical signs. In some cases interference with research results can occur; including death in fulminant cases.

Parasitological study with faecal samples of stray and domiciliated cats (Felis catus domesticus) from the Metropolitan Area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

In a survey of 131 faecal samples from Rio de Janeiro domiciliated and stray cats, 63,4% were positive with a higher prevalence among stray animals. Ancylostoma sp (43.5%), Toxocara sp (19.1%), Cystoisospora sp (43.5%), Uncinaria sp (1.5%), Toxocaris leonine (7.6%), Giardia sp (6.1%) and Sarcocystis sp (0.8%) were found. This high prevalence suggests the need for improved control measures against cats to protect animal and human health.

Sarcocystis speeri n. sp. (Protozoa: Sarcocystidae) from the Opossum (Didelphis virginiana)

The North American opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is host to at least 3 species of Sarcocystis: Sarcocystisfalcatula, Sarcocystis neurona, and a recently recognized Sarcocystis sp. A new name, Sarcocystis speeri, is proposed for the third unnamed Sarcocystis. Immunodeficient mice are an experimental intermediate host for S. speeri. Sarcocystis speeri sporocysts are 12-15 x 8-10 microm in size, and its schizonts are found in many organs of mice. Sarcocysts of S. speeri are found in skeletal muscles and they are up to 5 mm long and filiform. By light microscopy, the sarcocyst wall is thin (<1 microm thick); ultrastructurally, the cyst wall is up to 1.8 microm thick and has characteristic steeple-shaped villar protrusions surmounted by a spire. Sarcocystis speeri schizonts are morphologically and antigenically distinct from schizonts of S. neurona, and S. speeri sporocysts were not infective to budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus).

Acute fulminant sarcocystosis in a captive-born rhesus macaque.

A captive-born juvenile female rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) was acquired from a commercial breeder and placed in quarantine. Within 8 days of arrival, the animal became anorexic, inactive, and dehydrated. Subsequently, generalized edema and facial ecchymoses developed, and despite supportive therapy, the animal became moribund and was euthanatized. Macroscopic examination showed diffuse stippling and streaking of the myocardium. Histopathologic examination revealed multifocal to coalescing myocardial edema, necrosis, lymphohistiocytic inflammation, and generalized endothelial infection with Sarcocystis sp. Immature and mature schizonts within endothelial cells were most prevalent in the heart. Fewer schizonts were present in the vasculature of other tissues, including skeletal muscle, smooth muscle, adipose tissue, brain, and retina. Mature tissue cysts within muscle fibers were not found in the myocardium but were occasionally seen in skeletal muscle. Analysis of polymerase-chain-reaction-amplified 18s ribosomal RNA gene sequences revealed 96% identity to published sequences of S. hirsuta, S. hominis, and S. fusiformis and 95% identity to S. cruzi and S. tenella. However, sequences did not show complete identity with any organism in the GenBank database. Sequence homology suggests that this is a newly described Sarcocystis sp. Results of antibody tests for simian retrovirus, simian T-lymphotropic virus 1, and simian immunodeficiency virus were negative, suggesting that viral immunosuppression was unlikely to have augmented the pathogenicity of sarcosporidial infection. Clinical and histopathologic findings in this case of fulminant sarcosporidiosis are similar to those described in Dalmeny disease in cattle, which is associated with ingestion of massive numbers of infective Sarcocystis oocysts.

Serologic responses of cattle and other animals infected with Neospora caninum

Abstract Objective To examine cross-reactivity among Neospora caninum and closely-related apicomplexans. Design Sera from animals were examined for antibody production to N caninum and cross-reactivity to Toxoplasma gondii. Animals Cattle were experimentally infected with 3 tissue cyst-forming protozoan parasites N caninum, T gondii, and Sarcocystis sp, and calves were monospecifically inoculated with the intestinal coccidia, Eimeria bovis and Cryptosporidium parvum. Similar studies were done in laboratory rabbits inoculated with N caninum, T gondii, Hammondia hammondi, and Sarcocystis sp. Additionally, sera were obtained from ewes, lambs, goats, sows, cats, rats, and mice inoculated with N caninum tachyzoites. Procedure The indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) and ELISA antibody tests (cattle only) were used to examine reactivity to N caninum; the modified direct agglutination, Sabin-Feldman dye, and IFA tests were used to evaluate reactivity to T gondii. Results Serologic cross-reactivity among N caninum, T gondii, and Sarcocystis sp was none or minimal by the IFA test. There was some reactivity to N caninum by the use of ELISA in cattle inoculated with Sarcocystis sp. Conclusions The IFA test for N caninum was specific for the diagnosis of neosporosis in animals.(Am J Vet Res 1996;57:329-336)

Multifocal myositis associated with Sarcocystis sp in a horse

Multifocal myositis associated with Sarcocystis sp in a horse

Sarcosporidian infection in pigs in Uruguay

Examination of enzymatic digests of samples of the crux diaphragm obtained at abbatoirs in Montevideo, Uruguay, indicated that 57.2% of 269 pigs weighing 90–140 kg were infected with Sarcocystis sp. The morphology of sarcocystis in H & E stained sections indicated that they were Sarcocystis miescheriana.

Prevalence of Sarcocystis cyst in pigs and sheep in Spain

Samples of serum and diaphragm muscle were collected from 100 pigs, and serum samples and oesophagi were collected from 100 sheep. The diaphragm muscle and oesophageal tissues were examined for the presence of macroscopic and microscopic Sarcocystic cysts by compression between trichonoscope plates as well as by tissue digestion with pepsin solution. The sera were examined by the indirect haemagglutination test (IHA), using antigens from Sarcocystis gigantea. With these methods, 95% of the sheep and 43% of the pigs were found to be infected with Sarcocystis sp.

Effects of parasites on marine mammals

This report examines the broad range of organisms which can parasitize marine mammals, and identifies those which we feel have the greatest impact on individuals and populations. Many parasites colonize and damage the integument in some way. Only the sucking lice of seals are associated with debilitating disease. In addition, at least one species, E. horridus can serve as intermediate host of the seal heartworm, D. spirocauda. Of the few protozoa, the one deserving most attention is Sarcocystis sp. Its ubiquitous distribution challenges our understanding of coccidian life cycles as currently perceived. Acanthocephalans and cestodes are rarely associated with clinically significant illness. It is intriguing that cetaceans and pinnipeds serve as mammalian intermediate hosts for larval tetraphyllidians destined to mature in elasmobranchs. Digeneans occupy the gastrointestinal tract and severely damage liver and pancreas of cetaceans. Nasitrema sp. infects cranial sinuses of small odontocetes, and enters the brain, thereby leading to stranding and death in selected populations. Nematodes represent the broadest group of parasites. Pseudaliids often infect the respiratory system, causing sufficient damage to affect survival. There is no evidence that Stenums sp., a pseudaliid inhabiting the cranial sinuses of some whales and dolphins, plays any role in mass strandings, as has been popularly suggested. Filarioids are highly pathogenic in pinnipeds and are probably responsible for significant mortality, especially in young animals. Anisakine nematodes in the stomach are of little consequence to the host. The role of marine mammals in transmitting the parasites to commercially exploited fish stocks is a public health issue. The only other parasite which represents a threat to humans is Trichinella spiralis, which is widespread in Arctic mammals. The Crassicaudinae are the largest nematodes in cetaceans. Evidence is accumulating that the damage they cause in cranial bone, mammary tissue and the urinary tract may influence productivity and survival among certain groups. Most of our understanding of the parasites of marine mammals derives from studies on specimens which come ashore. The information is fragmentary, and suffers from our inability to follow the progress of infection and the overall condition of the parasitized animal. Yet we might conclude that the parasitism we see is as advanced as can be tolerated by the host. Weak animals retreat from the protection of the herd, become vulnerable to predators, and probably cannot survive in an environment which places heavy demands on thermoregulation, respiration and mobility.

The Fox As Definitive Host for Sarcocystis Sp. Gjerde, 1984 From Skeletal Muscle of Reindeer (Rangifer Tarandus)

Skeletal muscle of 5 wild reindeer was examined for sarcocysts and used for experimental infection of 6 foxes. Skeletal and cardiac muscle of another reindeer were only examined for sarcocysts. The skeletal muscle of all animals was infected with Sarcocystis sp.. In 2 of the animals cysts of S. hardangeri were also present. The single heart examined contained only cysts of S. grueneri. Four foxes given skeletal muscle containing apparently only cysts of Sarcocystis sp., started shedding Sarcocystis sporocysts, measuring on average 13.6×9.8 µm, after a prepatent period of 10–12 days. Two foxes given skeletal muscle containing cysts of both Sarcocystis sp. and S. hardangeri shed similar sporocysts, measuring on average 13.5×9.7 µm, after a prepatent period of 10–12 days. Based on the results from the present and previous investigations, Sarcocystis sp. is considered to have foxes (Vulpes vulpes and Alopex lagopus) and dogs (Ganis familiaris) as definitive hosts, becoming the second species of Sarcocystis with a known reindeer/Canidae life cycle. The name Sarcocystis tarandivulpes n. sp. is proposed as a replacement name for Sarcocystis sp. Gjerde, 1984 from skeletal muscle of reindeer.

Development of Sarcocystis in mule deer transmitted through dogs and coyotes

Tissues from 13 experimentally inoculated mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) from Oregon, studied by G. Hudkins and T. P. Kistner in 1976 and L. D. Koller, T. P. Kistner, and G. Hudkins in 1977, were reexamined. The following additional information on Sarcocystis hemionilatrantis was obtained. Two types of meronts were found in deer necropsied between 29 and 41 days postinoculation (DPI). Type 1 meronts were in capillaries in adrenal glands, kidney, lymph node, lung, choroid plexi, and spleen; meronts were 20.5 × 13.5 μm (14−32 × 10−20 μm; n = 26) and contained 20 to 35 nuclei. Type 2 meronts were found in macrophages in muscular tissues; these meronts were 20 × 14 μm (10−35 × 7−19 μm; n = 7) and contained 10 to 60 merozoites. Sarcocysts were seen in three deer at 63, 65, and 90 DPI. At 63 and 65 DPI sarcocysts were immature and their walls were thin (&lt; 1 μm) and smooth. At 90 DPI, sarcocysts were up to 525 μm long and 50 μm wide; the sarcocyst wall was 1 to 2 μm thick and cross striated. In the same deer another type of mature sarcocyst was also seen; sarcocysts were up to 825 μm long, the walls were 2 to 4 μm thick and lacked cross striations. Two additional 3-day-old deer were inoculated orally with sporocysts from the feces of a dog fed meat from a mule deer from Montana naturally infected with Sarcocystis sp. Deer No. 1, fed 107 sporocysts, was killed at 14 DPI and deer No. 2, fed 5 × 106 sporocysts, was killed at 24 DPI. At 14 DPI, meronts were found in capillaries and arteries in the lung, heart, and spleen; the meronts were 26.5 × 20 μm (14−39 × 14−25 μm; n = 31) and contained up to 100 nuclei. At 24 DPI, intravascular meronts were found in the spinal cord, hepatic lymph node, kidney, thyroid gland, and mesenteric lymph node. In addition, meronts were found in macrophages in muscular tissues; these meronts were 16 × 10 μm (10−28 × 7−14 μm; n = 10) and contained up to 40 nuclei.

Dieldrin poisoning and botulism in Australian pelicans (Pelecanus conspicillatus).

Autopsies and laboratory examinations of material from 24 Australian pelicans found sick or dead in southern coastal Queensland in 1977 to 1979 revealed dieldrin poisoning in 8 from the Brisbane region and botulism in 8 from Brisbane, Bundaberg and Gladstone. In those diagnosed as dieldrin poisoning, brain and liver samples contained 12.1 to 27.4 and 34.0 to 48.1 mg/kg dieldrin respectively. All of these birds were emaciated, 2 had convulsed and 1 had muscle tremors. Low and probably insignificant residues of DDE were detected in many birds. Type C botulism was confirmed in 4 of the 6 birds tested with specific antiserums. A large number of parasites including mites, lice, nematodes, cestodes, trematodes, coccidia and Sarcocystis sp were found but were thought to have had only a limited effect on the health of these birds.

Granulomatous Myositis in Association with Sarcocystis sp. Infection in Wild Ducks

Macroscopic cysts of species of the parasite Sarcocystis were found in 18 of 205 wild ducks of 11 species examined histologically, and microscopic cysts were found in nine of the 205. Focal granulomatous myositis was present in two of the 18 birds with macroscopic cysts. A progression of changes was evident, beginning with degeneration of the cyst wall and ending with granuloma formation. The inflammation appeared to occur in response to degeneration of the cysts.