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Dini FM, Caffara M, Magri A, Cantori A, Luci V, Monno A, Galuppi R. Sentinels in the shadows: Exploring Toxoplasma gondii and other Sarcocystidae parasites in synanthropic rodents and their public health implications. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 24:100939. [PMID: 38655448 PMCID: PMC11035367 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Synanthropic rodents play a crucial role in maintaining the life cycle of Toxoplasma gondii in anthropized regions and can serve as indicators of environmental oocyst contamination. This investigation aimed to explore the occurrence of T. gondii infection within synanthropic rodent populations using a molecular diagnostic technique targeting the 18S rDNA gene, which is generic for Coccidia, with subsequent specific PCR confirmation. We examined 97 brown rats (Rattus norvegicus), 67 black rats (R. rattus), 47 house mice (Mus musculus), and 1 common shrew (Sorex araneus). PCR tests were conducted on the brain, heart, and tongue tissues. PCR tested positive in at least one of the examined tissues in 26 R. norvegicus (26.8%), 13 R. rattus (19.4%), and 13 M. musculus (27.6%). Sequencing comparisons by BLAST allowed us to identify four different species of cyst-forming Apicomplexa. In particular, T. gondii DNA was detected in 13 (6.1%) rodents, Hammondia hammondi (including H. hammondi-like organisms) in 36 (17%) subjects, Besnoitia sp. (in two cases identified as B. besnoiti) in 8 (3.7%), and Sarcocystis gigantea in two (0.94%). Rodents from peri-urban and urban environments can act as indicators of environmental contamination by oocysts of apicomplexan parasites with cats as definitive hosts, such as T. gondii, H. hammondi, and S. gigantea, the latter of which has never been previously recorded in rodents. Moreover, the presence of B. besnoiti, a parasite with an unidentified definitive host in Europe, sheds light on the potential role of these hosts as infection sentinels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Maria Dini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Monica Caffara
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Alice Magri
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Alessia Cantori
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Valentina Luci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Antonio Monno
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Roberta Galuppi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
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Prakas P, Jasiulionis M, Šukytė T, Juozaitytė-Ngugu E, Stirkė V, Balčiauskas L, Butkauskas D. First Observations of Buzzards ( Buteo) as Definitive Hosts of Sarcocystis Parasites Forming Cysts in the Brain Tissues of Rodents in Lithuania. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:264. [PMID: 38666876 PMCID: PMC11047845 DOI: 10.3390/biology13040264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Representatives of the genus Sarcocystis are worldwide distributed apicomplexan parasites characterised by two-host prey-predator relationships. Sarcocystis spp. produce sarcocysts in the muscles and brains of intermediate hosts and develop sporocysts in the intestines of definitive hosts. Two species, Sarcocystis glareoli and Sarcocystis microti, previously assigned to the genus Frenkelia, form cysts in the brains of rodents and are transmitted through the common buzzard (Buteo buteo). In our study, brain samples of 694 small mammals caught in different regions of Lithuania were examined for Sarcocystis spp. Additionally, 10 B. buteo and two rough-legged buzzards (Buteo lagopus) were tested for sporocysts of the analysed parasites. Sarcocystis species were identified based on 28S rRNA sequence comparison. Of the eleven species of small mammals tested, Sarcocystis parasites were observed only in the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus). Cysts of S. glareoli were detected in 34 out of 374 C. glareolus (9.1%, 95% CI = 6.4-12.5%). Molecular investigation showed the presence of only S. glareoli in the intestines of 50% of B. buteo. Furthermore, two species, Sarcocystis sp. Rod3 and Sarcocystis sp. Rod4, were confirmed in B. lagopus. Our results demonstrate the need for further studies on Sarcocystis cycling between rodents and birds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Linas Balčiauskas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos Str. 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (P.P.); (M.J.); (T.Š.); (E.J.-N.); (V.S.); (D.B.)
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Qin T, Ortega-Perez P, Wibbelt G, Lakim MB, Ginting S, Khoprasert Y, Wells K, Hu J, Jäkel T. A cyst-forming coccidian with large geographical range infecting forest and commensal rodents: Sarcocystis muricoelognathis sp. nov. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:135. [PMID: 38491403 PMCID: PMC10943850 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06230-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The geographic distribution and host-parasite interaction networks of Sarcocystis spp. in small mammals in eastern Asia remain incompletely known. METHODS Experimental infections, morphological and molecular characterizations were used for discrimination of a new Sarcocystis species isolated from colubrid snakes and small mammals collected in Thailand, Borneo and China. RESULTS We identified a new species, Sarcocystis muricoelognathis sp. nov., that features a relatively wide geographic distribution and infects both commensal and forest-inhabiting intermediate hosts. Sarcocystis sporocysts collected from rat snakes (Coelognathus radiatus, C. flavolineatus) in Thailand induced development of sarcocysts in experimental SD rats showing a type 10a cyst wall ultrastructure that was identical with those found in Rattus norvegicus from China and the forest rat Maxomys whiteheadi in Borneo. Its cystozoites had equal sizes in all intermediate hosts and locations, while sporocysts and cystozoites were distinct from other Sarcocystis species. Partial 28S rRNA sequences of S. muricoelognathis from M. whiteheadi were largely identical to those from R. norvegicus in China but distinct from newly sequenced Sarcocystis zuoi. The phylogeny of the nuclear 18S rRNA gene placed S. muricoelognathis within the so-called S. zuoi complex, including Sarcocystis attenuati, S. kani, S. scandentiborneensis and S. zuoi, while the latter clustered with the new species. However, the phylogeny of the ITS1-region confirmed the distinction between S. muricoelognathis and S. zuoi. Moreover, all three gene trees suggested that an isolate previously addressed as S. zuoi from Thailand (KU341120) is conspecific with S. muricoelognathis. Partial mitochondrial cox1 sequences of S. muricoelognathis were almost identical with those from other members of the group suggesting a shared, recent ancestry. Additionally, we isolated two partial 28S rRNA Sarcocystis sequences from Low's squirrel Sundasciurus lowii that clustered with those of S. scandentiborneensis from treeshews. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide strong evidence of broad geographic distributions of rodent-associated Sarcocystis and host shifts between commensal and forest small mammal species, even if the known host associations remain likely only snapshots of the true associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Qin
- School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences and Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunity, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Paula Ortega-Perez
- Department of Pathology, AnaPath Services GmbH, Liestal, Switzerland
- Department Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gudrun Wibbelt
- Department Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Yuvaluk Khoprasert
- Department of Agriculture, Plant Protection Research and Development Office, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Konstans Wells
- Department of Biosciences, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Junjie Hu
- School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences and Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunity, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.
| | - Thomas Jäkel
- Department of Agriculture, Plant Protection Research and Development Office, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Institute of Biology, Department of Parasitology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.
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Bentancourt Rossoli JV, Moré G, Soto-Cabrera A, Moore DP, Morrell EL, Pedrana J, Scioli MV, Campero LM, Basso W, Hecker YP, Scioscia NP. Identification of Sarcocystis spp. in synanthropic (Muridae) and wild (Cricetidae) rodents from Argentina. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:31. [PMID: 38085379 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08036-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of Sarcocystis species was investigated in synanthropic (Muridae) and wild (Cricetidae) rodents from Argentina. Nine species were captured (n = 356). Sarcocysts were detected in muscles of 8.7% (31/356) and 3.7% (4/106) of the rodents by histopathology and direct microscopic observation, respectively. PCR-sequencing targeting the 18S rRNA, cox1, and ITS1 regions was performed on samples with positive histopathology. Four different 18S rRNA sequences or sequence groups with high intra-group identities (99.6-100%) were detected in Mus musculus, Oxymycterus rufus, Akodon azarae, and Necromys lasiurus. Eight sequences showed 99.5-99.7% identity with S. dispersa. Thirteen sequences showed low identity (95.3-96.4%) with other Sarcocystis spp. The obtained coxI sequences (n = 9) were almost identical to each other and showed a high similarity with S. strixi (99.2-99.5%) and S. lutrae (99.1%), despite the 18S rRNA sequences from the same samples suggested the occurrence of at least two species. This suggests that coxI may not show high variability in Sarcocystis spp. that use rodents as intermediate hosts. Six ITS1 sequences were obtained, showing high identity but low coverage with several Sarcocystis spp. Multilocus sequence typing and BLAST analysis did not lead to an accurate species identification. Possible reasons are the detection of new species or the limited molecular information available from previously described Sarcocystis spp. Phylogeny suggests that the detected Sarcocystis spp. may use raptor birds or snakes as definitive hosts. This study represents the first molecular identification of Sarcocystis spp. in naturally infected rodents of the Cricetidae and Muridae families in South America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith V Bentancourt Rossoli
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción, Sanidad y Ambiente (IIPROSAM), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (FCEyN-UNMdP), Deán Funes 3350, Nivel 0, 7600, Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gastón Moré
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Agustina Soto-Cabrera
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción, Sanidad y Ambiente (IIPROSAM), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (FCEyN-UNMdP), Deán Funes 3350, Nivel 0, 7600, Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Dadín P Moore
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), Ruta 226 Km 73,5, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Eleonora L Morrell
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), Ruta 226 Km 73,5, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julieta Pedrana
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María V Scioli
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), Ruta 226 Km 73,5, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucía M Campero
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), Ruta 226 Km 73,5, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Walter Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yanina P Hecker
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), Ruta 226 Km 73,5, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Grupo SALUVET, Facultad de Veterinaria, Avenida Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nathalia P Scioscia
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción, Sanidad y Ambiente (IIPROSAM), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (FCEyN-UNMdP), Deán Funes 3350, Nivel 0, 7600, Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Woo C, Bhuiyan MIU, Eo KY, Lee WS, Kimura J, Yamamoto N. Diversity of fecal parasitomes of wild carnivores inhabiting Korea, including zoonotic parasites and parasites of their prey animals, as revealed by 18S rRNA gene sequencing. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 21:179-184. [PMID: 37323131 PMCID: PMC10267430 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Consisting of diverse groups of organisms, parasites are among the least studied pathogens despite their enormous impacts on humans, livestock, and wildlife. In particular, little is known about their host specificity and diversity in wildlife. Here, using multiple primer pairs and sequencing 18S rRNA genes of diverse groups of parasites, we aimed to investigate fecal parasitomes of carnivorous wildlife in Korea, namely, the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), and the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra). A total of 5 host-specific parasite species were identified, including 2 from raccoon dogs, 2 from leopard cats, and 1 from Eurasian otters. In addition, numerous parasite species of their prey animals were detected in their feces. It was found that the parasitome composition varied between host animals, and it was thought that the difference was attributed to the difference in prey animals, as numerous small mammal parasites were detected from feces of leopard cats inhabiting inland areas and fish parasites from feces of Eurasian otters and raccoon dogs inhabiting waterside areas. Furthermore, 5 zoonotic parasites known to infect humans were identified at the species level. Wildlife-associated zoonoses are expected to increase as the proximity between humans and wildlife increases due to urbanization. Vigilance may be necessary, such as by monitoring parasites in wildlife feces, as was done in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheolwoon Woo
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Mohammad Imtiaj Uddin Bhuiyan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Yeon Eo
- Department of Animal Health and Welfare, College of Healthcare and Biotechnology, Semyung University, Jecheon, 27136, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Shin Lee
- Department of Forest Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Junpei Kimura
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Naomichi Yamamoto
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Health and Environment, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
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Prakas P, Stirkė V, Šneideris D, Rakauskaitė P, Butkauskas D, Balčiauskas L. Protozoan Parasites of Sarcocystis spp. in Rodents from Commercial Orchards. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2087. [PMID: 37443884 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Small mammals are an important group of wildlife that can transmit pathogens to humans and animals. There is a lack of comprehensive studies on the protozoan parasites of the genus Sarcocystis in agricultural areas. The aim of the current research was to evaluate the prevalence of Sarcocystis spp., and to identify the parasite species found in the skeletal muscles of rodents and insectivores from commercial orchards. A total of 679 muscle samples from small mammals, mainly rodents (n = 674), belonging to eight species were examined. Muscle samples were pooled into groups, then digested, and the presence of the Sarcocystis species was confirmed by molecular methods. The examined parasites were determined in five rodent species, Apodemus agrarius, A. flavicollis, Clethrionomys glareolus, Microtus arvalis, and M. oeconomus. The prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. was low: 2.23% in voles and 0.79% in mice. Based on a sequence comparison of cox1 and 28S rDNA, four species were identified: S. myodes, Sarcocystis cf. strixi, Sarcocystis sp. Rod1, and Sarcocystis sp. Rod2. This is the first report of S. myodes in A. agrarius, A. flavicollis, and M. arvalis. The identified species were most closely related to Sarcocystis spp., and were transmitted by predatory mammals and birds. Future studies are needed to describe the species morphologically, as well as to define the host spectrum and to evaluate their possible pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petras Prakas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania
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Canova V, Helman E, Robles MDR, Abba AM, Moré G. First report of Sarcocystis spp. (Apicomplexa, Sarcocystidae) in Lagostomus maximus (Desmarest, 1917) (Rodentia, Chinchillidae) in Argentina. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 20:180-186. [PMID: 36936253 PMCID: PMC10020485 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Sarcocystis is a genus of intracellular parasitic protozoa that infects various species of mammals, birds, and reptiles worldwide. At least 46 Sarcocystis species naturally infect rodents as intermediate hosts producing tissue cysts. This study aimed to provide the first report and molecular characterisation of Sarcocystis spp. in muscles from plains viscacha (Lagostomus maximus) in Argentina. Muscle samples of 53 plains viscachas from three provinces of Argentina were processed by homogenisation and optical microscopy to detect tissue cysts. Positive samples were analysed by PCR-sequencing, using the following markers: 18S rRNA, ITS1, and coxI. The 18S rRNA and coxI consensus sequences were aligned with other sequences from Sarcocystis spp., and phylogenetic trees were constructed. Of all animals processed, 13.2% (7/53) harboured Sarcocystis sp. cysts. 18S rRNA consensus sequences were obtained from four muscle samples and one individual cyst, and they showed 99.88-100% similarity, except for the cyst sequence, which showed 97.11% homology. Similarities of only 96-97% were recorded in the 18S rRNA fragment with other Sarcocystis spp. whose sequences are available in the GenBank. The five coxI fragment sequences obtained were 100% identical and showed an identity of 99.41-99.48% with S. canis. For ITS1 only short and low-quality sequences were obtained. In the phylogenetic trees, all the sequences from plains viscachas were positioned together in a branch separated from other Sarcocystis spp. These results could be related to new Sarcocystis spp. producing sarcocysts in plains viscachas. Besides, comprehensive cyst morphological analysis using TEM from the new Sarcocystis species will allow a description of the cyst wall ultrastructure. In this sense, further studies are needed to deepen these findings and elucidate other potential intermediate and possible definitive hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Canova
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, (C1425FQB) CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE), Bv 120 e/ 60 y 64, (1900), CCT- CONICET- La Plata, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Elisa Helman
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, (C1425FQB) CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología (LAINPA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (FCV-UNLP), La Plata (1900), Argentina
| | - María del Rosario Robles
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, (C1425FQB) CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE), Bv 120 e/ 60 y 64, (1900), CCT- CONICET- La Plata, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustín M. Abba
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, (C1425FQB) CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE), Bv 120 e/ 60 y 64, (1900), CCT- CONICET- La Plata, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gastón Moré
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, (C1425FQB) CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología (LAINPA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (FCV-UNLP), La Plata (1900), Argentina
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Langgasssstrasse 122 (3012), Berne, Switzerland
- Corresponding author. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, (C1425FQB) CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Molecular Identification of Sarcocystis rileyi and Sarcocystis sp. (Closely Related to Sarcocystis wenzeli) in Intestines of Mustelids from Lithuania. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13030467. [PMID: 36766356 PMCID: PMC9913585 DOI: 10.3390/ani13030467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Sarcocystis is a group of numerous protozoan parasites having a two-host life cycle. Based on laboratory experiments and/or phylogenetic analysis results it was shown that seven Sarcocystis spp. producing sarcocsyts in bird tissues are transmitted via predatory placental mammals. To date the role of small mammals of the family Mustelidae in the distribution of avian Sarcocystis spp. have not been studied. During the current investigation, intestinal mucosa scrapings of 115 mustelids belonging to five species were tested for S. albifronsi, S. anasi, S. rileyi, and S. wenzeli infecting anseriforms and chickens. Microscopically, free sporocysts, sporulating oocysts, and loose oocysts were found in 61 samples (53.0%). Using nested PCR targeting the ITS1 region and sequencing, S. rileyi was confirmed in eight American minks, two European polecats and single European badger. Sarcocystis sp. was identified in one American mink and one European pine marten. Based on the partial ITS1 region this parasite showed that 100% identity to pathogenic Sarcocystis sp. caused a fatal infection in backyard chickens from Brazil. Phylogenetically, the Sarcocystis sp. identified in our study was most closely related to S. wenzeli parasitising domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus).
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Morphological and Molecular Description of Sarcocystis myodes n. sp. from the Bank Vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) in Lithuania. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11040512. [PMID: 35453711 PMCID: PMC9028443 DOI: 10.3390/biology11040512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Numerous rodent species have been broadly examined for Sarcocystis parasites. Nevertheless, recent investigations on Sarcocystis spp. in voles are lacking. As many as 45 bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) captured in several locations in Lithuania were examined in the present study. Based on morphological, genetic, and phylogenetic results, sarcocysts detected in one bank vole were described as Sarcocystis myodes n. sp. Using light microscopy analysis, the observed sarcocysts were ribbon-shaped, 6000−3000 × 70−220 µm in size. Sarcocysts were characterized by a relatively thin (about 1 μm) and apparently smooth cyst wall. The lancet-shaped bradyzoites were 9.6−12.0 × 3.1−4.6 μm in size. By transmission electron microscopy, the sarcocyst wall was up to 1 μm thick, parasitophorous vacuolar membrane had small knob-like blebs. Based on 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, cox1, rpoB, and ITS1 loci, S. myodes showed highest similarity with S. ratti from the black rat (Rattus rattus). According to phylogenetic placement, S. myodes was most closely related to Sarcocystis spp. that employ predatory mammals as their definitive hosts. Morphologically, sarcocysts of S. myodes have similar features to those of S. cernae, S. dirumpens, and S. montanaensis described in voles, however, they use birds of prey or snakes as their definitive hosts.
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Sun Y, Ju J, Su X, Xie C, Li Y, Kang M. Infection survey and morphological characteristics of Sarcocystis spp. in naturally infected Tibetan sheep from Qinghai in northwestern China. Parasitol Int 2020; 80:102219. [PMID: 33160051 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Sarcocystosis is a parasitic disease caused by intracellular coccidian protozoans that belong to the genus Sarcocystis. These parasites can cause diseases of the nervous system, abortion and economically significant losses in host animals. Previous studies have reported that Sarcocystis is found in mammals, birds and reptiles, while molecular and morphological studies of infected Tibetan sheep have not been performed in the Qinghai region. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. in Tibetan sheep in Qinghai, northwestern China. The results showed that in 1155 samples, sarcocysts from unspecified species were found in 50% (577/1155) of the sheep tissues by microscopy detection. The positive rates of sarcocysts in the diaphragmatic, esophageal and cardiac muscles were 78.4% (175/223), 29.1% (207/711), and 88.2% (195/221), respectively. Ultrastructural features were exclusively observed in Sarcocystis gigantea in the esophageal tissues. The specific architecture was characterized as a space between the two layers of the original capsule wall, which was filled with fiber bundles and tissue fluid. Cauliflower-like protrusions of the original capsule wall were observed toward the outer surface of the capsule. Prominent protrusions contained fibers and matrix. In addition, the Sarcocystis 18S rRNA genes from 6 esophageal tissue samples were cloned, sequenced, and aligned to related sequences from GenBank. All 5 S. gigantea sequences examined in this study were grouped into the same cluster and belonged to the same genotype. The other 5 Sarcocystis tenella sequences were obtained from cardiac muscle and diaphragm muscle and belonged to the same clade. Overall, this study revealed a high infection rate of Sarcocystis in Tibetan sheep in the region. The results of this study may provide a reference for further research investigating the sarcocystosis epidemic in Qinghai, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, PR China; College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, PR China
| | - Jinling Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, PR China; College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, PR China
| | - Xiaoxue Su
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, PR China; College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, PR China
| | - Caiying Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, PR China; College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, PR China
| | - Ying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, PR China; College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, PR China
| | - Ming Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, PR China; College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, PR China.
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Redescription and molecular characterization of sarcocysts of Sarcocystis cymruensis from Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) and Sarcocystis ratti from black rats (R. rattus) in China. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:3785-3791. [PMID: 32944798 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06883-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, sarcocysts of Sarcocystis cymruensis were found in four of 42 (9.5%) Norway rats and those of S. ratti were observed in six of 60 (10%) black rats in China. With light microscopy, the sarcocysts of the two parasites were microscopic, and had smooth, thin cyst walls (≤ 1 μm). Ultrastructurally, the sarcocysts of S. cymruensis had small, osmiophilic, bleb-like protrusions, similar to type 1c; those of S. ratti had a cyst wall with regular, short, conical protrusions, similar to type 1 g. Three loci, i.e., 18S rDNA, the mitochondrial cox1 gene (Cox1), and the mitochondrial Cytb gene (Cytb), of the two parasites were sequenced and analyzed, and the Cytb sequences of the two parasites constituted the first records of this marker in GenBank. A comparison of the newly obtained sequences of the three loci between the two parasites revealed that the interspecific similarities of 18S rDNA, Cox1, and Cytb were 96.4-97.2%, 96.5%, and 93.7%, respectively. Therefore, the two species could be better discriminated with Cytb than with 18S rDNA and Cox1. Phylogenetic analysis based on 18S rDNA sequences and Cox1 sequences indicated that the two parasites had a close relationship with Sarcocystis in nonruminant animals, especially birds and canids.
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Deksne G, Davidson RK, Buchmann K, Kärssin A, Kirjušina M, Gavarāne I, Miller AL, Pálsdóttir GR, Robertson LJ, Mørk T, Oksanen A, Palinauskas V, Jokelainen P. Parasites in the changing world - Ten timely examples from the Nordic-Baltic region. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2020; 10:e00150. [PMID: 32435705 PMCID: PMC7232095 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2020.e00150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The world is changing, and parasites adapt. The Nordic-Baltic region in northern Europe - including the Nordic countries Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, and the Baltic States Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania - is facing new parasitological challenges due to changes in populations of parasites and their hosts and the spread of new parasites to the region due to climate change. Some changes can also be ascribed to increased awareness and detection. In this paper, we review and discuss a convenience selection of ten timely examples of recent observations that exemplify trends and challenges from different fields of parasitology, with particular focus on climate change and potential changes in epidemiology of pathogens in northern Europe. The examples illustrate how addressing parasitological challenges often requires both intersectoral and international collaboration, and how using both historical baseline data and modern methodologies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunita Deksne
- Institute of Food safety, Animal health and Environment “BIOR”, Lejupes Str. 3, Riga LV-1076, Latvia
- Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Jelgavas Str. 1, Riga LV-1004, Latvia
| | | | - Kurt Buchmann
- Laboratory of Aquatic Pathobiology, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Stigbøjlen 7, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Age Kärssin
- Veterinary and Food Laboratory, Kreutzwaldi 30, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Muza Kirjušina
- Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, Parādes Str. 1A, Daugavpils LV-5401, Latvia
| | - Inese Gavarāne
- Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, Parādes Str. 1A, Daugavpils LV-5401, Latvia
| | - Andrea L. Miller
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Department for Terrestrial Ecology, Postboks 5685 Sluppen, 7485 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Guðný Rut Pálsdóttir
- Institute for Experimental Pathology at Keldur, University of Iceland, Keldnavegur 3, IS-112 Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Lucy J. Robertson
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Section for Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Parasitology Lab, Adamstuen Campus, Ullevålsveien 72, 0454 Oslo, Norway
| | - Torill Mørk
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Stakkevollvegen 23b, 9010 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Antti Oksanen
- Finnish Food Authority (FINPAR), Elektroniikkatie 3, 90590 Oulu, Finland
| | | | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
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Fernández-Escobar M, Millán J, Chirife AD, Ortega-Mora LM, Calero-Bernal R. Molecular survey for cyst-forming coccidia (Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Sarcocystis spp.) in Mediterranean periurban micromammals. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:2679-2686. [PMID: 32588173 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06777-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Rodents and other micromammals constitute important reservoirs of infectious diseases; their role in the life cycle of apicomplexan parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Sarcocystis spp. still needs clarification. In the present study, we analyzed by PCR and Sanger sequencing methods the presence of specific parasite DNA within brain and heart tissues of 313 individuals of five synanthropic small mammal species (Apodemus sylvaticus, Mus spretus, M. musculus, Rattus rattus, and Crocidura russula) collected in Barcelona metropolitan area (NE Spain). In addition, PCR-RFLP and microsatellites were also used as tools for genotypic characterization of T. gondii and N. caninum, respectively. Specific DNA of T. gondii, N. caninum, and Sarcocystis spp. was detected in 0.3% (n = 1), 1.3% (n = 4), and 3.8% (n = 12) of the animals, respectively. No mixed infections were observed. Crocidura russula stood out as the main host for Sarcocystis spp. Toxoplasma gondii-specific DNA detected in a house rat was genetically characterized by PCR-RFLP, presenting type II and III alleles (SAG1 [II], SAG3 [II], GRA6 [II], c22-8 [III], Apico [III]). Also, unsuccessful DNA sequencing and microsatellite typing were attempted in N. caninum-positive samples, which suggested a lack of PCR specificity and open avenues to speculate the host competence of rodents for N. caninum. Likewise, Sarcocystis spp. identity was studied by alignment and phylogenetic analyses of cox1 and 28S rRNA sequences from the 14 positive samples. It resulted in at least three unknown organisms closely similar (95.7-100% cox1-sequence homology) to Sarcocystis pantherophisi from the Eastern rat snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) (KU891603), suggesting together with 28S rRNA sequences analyses, three Sarcocystis sp. with a life cycle conformed by rodents as intermediate host (IH) and snakes as definitive hosts (DH) infecting the periurban micromammals surveyed. Prevalence figures found in this first survey carried out in Spain agree with other international studies focused on periurban areas. Further surveys should be conducted in farms and their surroundings in order to unravel the role of wild micromammals in the epidemiology of such protozoan parasites affecting our livestock, and therefore human population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Fernández-Escobar
- SALUVET Group, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Millán
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,Fundación ARAID, Avda. de Ranillas, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET Group, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Calero-Bernal
- SALUVET Group, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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Abdel-Gaber R, Al Quraishy S, Dkhil MA, Alghamdi J, Al-Shaebi E. Molecular phylogeny of Sarcocystis fayeri (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) from the domestic horse Equus caballus based on 18S rRNA gene sequences and its prevalence. Lett Appl Microbiol 2020; 71:377-385. [PMID: 32472702 DOI: 10.1111/lam.13335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Sarcocystosis is a parasitic disease caused by an intracellular protozoan parasite Sarcocystis belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa. These parasites have a requisite two-host life cycle. Recently, there are many Sarcocystis species that identified morphologically. In the present study, diaphragmatic muscle samples from the domestic horse (Equus caballus) were examined for Sarcocystis infection. The natural infection with sarcocysts was recorded to be 62·5% for only microcysts in the infected muscles. Molecular analysis using the 18S rRNA gene was conducted to swiftly and accurately identify the recovered species. Studies on the expression of the 18S rRNA gene have confirmed that the present parasite isolates belong to the Sarcocystis genus. The sequence data showed significant identities (>80%) with archived gene sequences from species within the Sarcocystidae family, and a dendrogram showing the phylogenetic relationship was constructed. The most closely related species were the previously described Sarcocystis fayeri and Sarcocystis bertrami. The current data showed that the present species was identified as S. fayeri and deposited in GenBank (accession number MF614956.1). This study highlights the importance of the genetic data in the exact taxonomy within sarcocystid species.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Abdel-Gaber
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - S Al Quraishy
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - M A Dkhil
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - J Alghamdi
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - E Al-Shaebi
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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