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Chen Y, Peng J, Zhu Z, Zhang W, Wang L, Xu J, Liu Q, Liu J. Development of a highly specific LAMP assay for detection of Sarcocystis tenella and Sarcocystis gigantea in sheep. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:324. [PMID: 39276229 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08349-0] [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: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/16/2024]
Abstract
Sarcocystis infection in sheep has caused significant economic losses in the livestock industry, and the genetic similarity among Sarcocystis species highlights the need for precise diagnostic methods in sheep. This study developed a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method targeting COX-1 and 28S rRNA genes to detect Sarcocystis tenella and Sarcocystis gigantea, respectively. The LAMP method exhibited high specificity, selectively amplifying target DNA sequences without cross-reactivity with closely related protozoa, such as Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. Detection limits were determined as 3 × 105 copies/L for S. tenella and 6 × 104 copies/L for S. gigantea, enabling sensitive identification of low-level infections. Comparative analysis with conventional PCR on sheep cardiac tissues demonstrated a higher LAMP detection rate (80.0% vs 66.7%). In conclusion, the LAMP method offers superior sensitivity to conventional PCR, allows visual confirmation of results, and provides a rapid diagnostic tool for identifying S. tenella and S. gigantea infection in sheep. However, due to the limitation of sample availability, we were unable to assess all Sarcocystis species that use sheep as intermediate hosts, which warrants further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajie Chen
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Peng
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Zifu Zhu
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Beijing General Station of Animal Husbandry, Beijing, 100110, People's Republic of China
| | - Lifang Wang
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhai Xu
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Qun Liu
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Liu
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China.
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China.
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Bermukhametov Z, Suleimanova K, Tomaruk O, Baimenov B, Shevchenko P, Batyrbekov A, Mikniene Z, Onur Girişgin A, Rychshanova R. Equine Sarcocystosis in the Northern Region of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2299. [PMID: 39199833 PMCID: PMC11350656 DOI: 10.3390/ani14162299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A total of 396 samples were taken from the hearts, oesophagi, and diaphragms of 132 horses slaughtered at slaughterhouses in 2023 for subsequent examination. METHODS The histological method revealed pathomorphological changes in the muscle tissue. The molecular method identified the pathogen species. RESULTS Histological examination revealed thick-walled cysts with internal septa and numerous bradyzoites, and mononuclear inflammatory cells with pericyst infiltrates. Microcyst samples were amplified by polymerase chain reaction. Molecular genetic analysis allowed for the identification of 18 sarcocysts. Phylogenetic analysis of Sarcocystis isolates revealed three separate clades of Sarcocystis bertrami and two separate clades of Sarcocystis fayeri. Comparison and phylogenetic analysis revealed a very close relationship between the identified Sarcocystis species and other equine Sarcocystis DNA sequences from China and Japan. Based on the results obtained, the epizootic situation and the parasitic level of sarcocystosis contamination of horses in the northern Kazakhstan were determined. CONCLUSION This is the first histological and molecular study to identify Sarcocystis spp. isolated from microscopic forms of equine sarcocysts in the northern Kazakhstan. This research will contribute to the fight against the spread of sarcocystosis in the Republic of Kazakhstan and will allow us to develop proposals for improving the mechanisms of sarcocystosis control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanaidar Bermukhametov
- Research and Innovation Center, Research Institute of Applied Biotechnology, NLC «Akhmet Baitursynuly Kostanay Regional University», Kostanay 110000, Kazakhstan; (Z.B.); (O.T.); (B.B.); (P.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Kulyay Suleimanova
- Department of Natural Sciences, Kostanay Social-Technical University named after Academician Zulharnai Aldamjar, Kostanay 110000, Kazakhstan;
| | - Oksana Tomaruk
- Research and Innovation Center, Research Institute of Applied Biotechnology, NLC «Akhmet Baitursynuly Kostanay Regional University», Kostanay 110000, Kazakhstan; (Z.B.); (O.T.); (B.B.); (P.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Bakhit Baimenov
- Research and Innovation Center, Research Institute of Applied Biotechnology, NLC «Akhmet Baitursynuly Kostanay Regional University», Kostanay 110000, Kazakhstan; (Z.B.); (O.T.); (B.B.); (P.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Pavel Shevchenko
- Research and Innovation Center, Research Institute of Applied Biotechnology, NLC «Akhmet Baitursynuly Kostanay Regional University», Kostanay 110000, Kazakhstan; (Z.B.); (O.T.); (B.B.); (P.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Assylbek Batyrbekov
- Research and Innovation Center, Research Institute of Applied Biotechnology, NLC «Akhmet Baitursynuly Kostanay Regional University», Kostanay 110000, Kazakhstan; (Z.B.); (O.T.); (B.B.); (P.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Zoja Mikniene
- Large Animal Clinic, Lithuanian University of Health Science, Veterinary Academy, LT-44307 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Ahmet Onur Girişgin
- Department of Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, Bursa Uludag University, 16059 Nilüfer-Bursa, Turkey;
| | - Raushan Rychshanova
- Research and Innovation Center, Research Institute of Applied Biotechnology, NLC «Akhmet Baitursynuly Kostanay Regional University», Kostanay 110000, Kazakhstan; (Z.B.); (O.T.); (B.B.); (P.S.); (A.B.)
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da Rosa G, de Freitas Daudt G, Roman IJ, Cargnelutti JF, Sangioni LA, Flores MM, Vogel FSF. Sarcocystis in horses from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: Molecular identification of Sarcocystis bertrami and Sarcocystis neurona in muscle tissues. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 47:100973. [PMID: 38199686 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100973] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Horses are intermediate hosts of Sarcocystis spp. capable of forming cysts in their musculature. This study aimed to detect sarcocysts and investigate the presence of nucleic acids from Sarcocystis spp. in samples of striated muscles from horses in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, necropsied at the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory of the Federal University of Santa Maria. A total of 108 samples were collected from 24 horses and examined through direct examination. Microscopic tissue cysts were observed in three samples: tongue (2) and esophagus (1) from two animals. Extractions were performed on the found cysts and tissues, even though sarcocystosis detection was not present. DNA samples were subjected to Nested-PCR using Tg18s primers, and the amplified products were subjected to Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) using DdeI and HpaII enzymes. DNA belonging to Sarcocystis spp. was amplified in tissues from 91.7% (22/24) of the equines, and 67.6% (73/108) of the samples tested positive in the Nested-PCR reaction. The tissues with the highest detection frequency were: diaphragm 92.3% (12/13), gluteal muscle 77.2% (17/22), and esophagus 66.7% (4/6). In RFLP, Sarcocystis spp. was detected in 21 tissues from 11/22 equines, and cysts, identified through nucleotide sequencing, were determined to be S. bertrami. S. neurona was identified in 11 samples from 7/22 animals, with co-infection detected in 5/22 cases. The high detection rate indicates a concerning circulation of the protozoan, particularly the zoonotic S. bertrami found in all tissues, which are commonly exported for human consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilneia da Rosa
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima, n° 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul CEP 97105-900, Brazil.
| | - Gabriela de Freitas Daudt
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima, n° 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul CEP 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Isac Junior Roman
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima, n° 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul CEP 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Juliana Felipetto Cargnelutti
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia (LABAC), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, n° 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul CEP 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Luis Antonio Sangioni
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima, n° 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul CEP 97105-900, Brazil.
| | - Mariana Martins Flores
- Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária (LPV), Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul CEP 97105-900, Brazil.
| | - Fernanda Silveira Flôres Vogel
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima, n° 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul CEP 97105-900, Brazil.
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El-Mahdi MBM, Rabie SA, Hassanine RMES, Hassan AA, Abo Elhussien OF, Ghoneum M, El-Gerbed MSA. Molecular Identification, Pathogenesis, and Life Cycle of Sarcocystis cruzi from Cattle ( Bos taurus) in New Valley Governorate, Egypt. J Parasitol Res 2023; 2023:7829290. [PMID: 36937557 PMCID: PMC10017224 DOI: 10.1155/2023/7829290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed B. M. El-Mahdi
- 1Molecular Genetic & Molecular Biology Lab, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Soheir A. Rabie
- 2Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | | | - Amal A. Hassan
- 4Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Damanhur University, Damanhur, Egypt
| | | | - Mamdooh Ghoneum
- 5Department of Surgery, Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
- 6Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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DOI R, OBA M, FURUYA T, MIZUTANI T, TAKEMAE H. Development of a new quantification method of Sarcocystis cruzi through detection of the acetyl-CoA synthetase gene. J Vet Med Sci 2023; 85:105-110. [PMID: 36450502 PMCID: PMC9887211 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.22-0481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rie DOI
- United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan,Saitama Institute of Public Health, Saitama, Japan
| | - Mami OBA
- Center for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya FURUYA
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Diseases, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya MIZUTANI
- United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan,Center for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitoshi TAKEMAE
- Center for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan,Correspondence to: Takemae H: , Center for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
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Brazilian Horses from Bahia State Are Highly Infected with Sarcocystis bertrami. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12243491. [PMID: 36552411 PMCID: PMC9774797 DOI: 10.3390/ani12243491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The protozoan Sarcocystis bertrami (syn. Sarcocystis fayeri) infects horses and has dogs as definitive hosts. Herein we aimed to detect S. bertrami in Brazilian horses destined for human consumption and to determine the frequency of infection in the examined animals. Muscle fragments from 51 horses were collected in a slaughterhouse in Bahia State during three different seasons of the year. Samples from six tissues from each animal were prepared for macroscopic and microscopic evaluation, using tissue grinding, squash and histology. Sarcocystis sp. was observed in 100% of the examined horses. Selected samples were processed for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Species identification was confirmed using a PCR targeted to the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1). Histological examination revealed sarcocysts with variable sizes and shapes, and dispersed within the muscle fibers. When observed by TEM, the sarcocyst wall was wavy and covered by an electrodense layer. The villar protrusions were digitiform and bent. To our knowledge, this study is the first morphological and molecular confirmation of S. bertrami in horses in Brazil and South America.
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Bovine sarcocystosis: Sarcocystis species, diagnosis, prevalence, economic and public health considerations, and association of Sarcocystis species with eosinophilic myositis in cattle. Int J Parasitol 2022:S0020-7519(22)00163-1. [PMID: 36462560 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2022.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Infections by Sarcocystis in cattle are ubiquitous worldwide. There is considerable debate concerning the identity of Sarcocystis spp. in cattle. Proper diagnosis of Sarcocystis spp. is important to assess their economic and public health importance. Currently there are seven named species: Sarcocystis hirsuta, Sarcocystis cruzi, Sarcocystis hominis, Sarcocystis bovifelis, arcocystis heydorni, Sarcocystis bovini and Sarcocystis rommeli. Additionally, there are unnamed Sarcocystis spp. Two species, S. hominis and S. heydorni, are zoonotic. One out of seven species (S. hirsuta, contracted from cats) forms macroscopic cysts which can be visible during carcass inspection. Current molecular characterization is based on DNA extracted from sarcocysts from naturally infected cattle because DNA was not characterized from tissues of experimentally infected cattle or feces of experimentally infected definitive hosts. Sarcocystis cruzi (transmitted via canids) is recognized as the most pathogenic species and it causes abortion, low milk yield, poor body growth, and outbreaks of clinical sarcocystosis and death. Additionally, Sarcocystis infections have been linked to an inflammatory condition of striated muscles termed bovine eosinophilic myositis (BEM). Cattle affected by BEM appear clinically normal. Diagnosis of BEM at slaughter occurs when inspecting the carcass surface, or once the carcass has been divided into prime cuts or quarters. Sex and breed have no apparent influence on prevalence of BEM. The condition evidently occurs with equal frequency in steers, cows, and heifers. Virtually all striated muscles can be affected including skeletal muscles, the muscles of the eye, larynx, and the heart. In the USA, regulations require condemnation of BEM-affected parts, or (in severe cases) the entire carcass. These aesthetic considerations result in economic losses. Cattle experimentally infected with Sarcocystis did not have BEM at slaughter. Here, we review the status of Sarcocystis spp. and BEM in cattle including prevalence, lesions, epidemiology, and association of BEM with different species of Sarcocystis.
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Elshahawy IS, Mohammed E, Gomaa A, Fawaz M. Sarcocystis cruzi in Egyptian slaughtered cattle ( Bos taurus): epidemiology, morphology and molecular description of the findings. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY RESEARCH 2022; 23:337-348. [PMID: 36874176 PMCID: PMC9984137 DOI: 10.22099/ijvr.2022.43498.6363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Sarcocystis spp. are one of the most common foodborne tissue cyst-forming coccidia with a public health and veterinary concern. Aims 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. Methods 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. Results 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. Conclusion 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- I S Elshahawy
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - E Mohammed
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - A Gomaa
- BSc in Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - M Fawaz
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
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Prakas P, Strazdaitė-Žielienė Ž, Januškevičius V, Chiesa F, Baranauskaitė A, Rudaitytė-Lukošienė E, Servienė E, Petkevičius S, Butkauskas D. Molecular identification of four Sarcocystis species in cattle from Lithuania, including S. hominis, and development of a rapid molecular detection method. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:610. [PMID: 33287879 PMCID: PMC7720396 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04473-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Six Sarcocystis species are known to use cattle (Bos taurus) as the intermediate host, two of which, S. hominis and S. heydorni, are zoonotic. There is a need for a method that will enable rapid identification of the Sarcocystis species in cattle. Methods The diaphragm muscles of 102 cattle from Lithuania were examined for the presence of Sarcocystis spp., using two different methods for species identification. Individual sarcocysts were isolated from squash preparations of the diaphragm muscle under the light microscope, followed by genetic characterisation of excised cysts using sequence analysis of the 18S rRNA (18S rRNA) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) genes. The same cattle muscle samples were digested and species-specific PCR analyses targeting cox1 were developed to identify the Sarcocystis isolates to the species level. Results Under the light microscope, sarcocysts were detected in 87.3% of animals, and Sarcocystis infection was verified in all digested samples. Three species, namely S. cruzi (n = 20), S. bovifelis (n = 23) and S. hirsuta (n = 6), were identified by DNA sequence analysis of isolated sarcocysts. Based on sequence analysis of cox1, the level of genetic variability depended on Sarcocystis species and geographical location. Four Sarcocystis species, S. cruzi (96.1%), S. bovifelis (71.6%), S. hirsuta (30.4%) and S. hominis (13.7%), were confirmed in the digested samples. In individual samples, the most common finding was two species of Sarcocystis (44.1%), followed by three species (26.5%), a single species (24.5%) and four species (4.9%). Conclusions Although examination of tissue preparations under the light microscrope did not detect any sarcocysts belonging to S. hominis, this species was identified in the digested samples subjected to a cox1-specific PCR analysis. These results demonstrate the need for effective molecular diagnosis techniques to detect Sarcocystis spp., which may be present at a lower prevalence and not detectable among the limited number of sarcocysts identified individually under the light microscope. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vytautas Januškevičius
- Nature Research Centre, Vilnius, Lithuania.,Lithuanian University of Health Science, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Francesco Chiesa
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Veronesi F, Di Palma S, Gabrielli S, Morganti G, Milardi GL, Middleton B, Lepri E. Sarcocystis gigantea infection associated with granulomatous eosinophilic myositis in a horse. J Vet Diagn Invest 2020; 32:611-615. [PMID: 32687008 DOI: 10.1177/1040638720935847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The only Sarcocystis species currently known to inhabit the fibers of skeletal and cardiac muscles in horses are S. fayeri, S. bertrami, and S. asinus. We describe herein the invasion of myofibers in a horse by S. gigantea, a sheep-specific species with low virulence in the original host. A hunter gelding was referred to a veterinary surgeon in Newmarket (UK). The anamnestic data reported that the horse had an initial history of swelling of the right forelimb with fluid on the front of the carpus and edema spreading up the forearm. Subsequently, 2 firm lumps were found on the left pectoral muscle adjacent to the axilla of the left forelimb. Histologic examination of biopsies from the lumps revealed multifocal granulomatous eosinophilic myositis associated with intact and degenerate encysted parasites, consistent with Sarcocystis spp. Based on amplification and DNA sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene obtained from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks, S. gigantea was identified. The presence of sarcocysts in equine skeletal muscles has been considered an incidental finding, and there are only sporadic associated reports of myositis. Our finding suggests that some Sarcocystis spp. have a wider intermediate host range than believed previously, and that Sarcocystis of other species (not considered horse-associated) can invade the muscle fibers of equids, leading to myositis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizia Veronesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy (Veronesi, Morganti, Lepri).,Department of Preclinical Development, Aptuit (Verona), Verona, Italy (Di Palma).,Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy (Gabrielli, Milardi).,Blackdown Equine Clinic, Fernhurst, Haslemere, UK (Middleton)
| | - Stefano Di Palma
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy (Veronesi, Morganti, Lepri).,Department of Preclinical Development, Aptuit (Verona), Verona, Italy (Di Palma).,Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy (Gabrielli, Milardi).,Blackdown Equine Clinic, Fernhurst, Haslemere, UK (Middleton)
| | - Simona Gabrielli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy (Veronesi, Morganti, Lepri).,Department of Preclinical Development, Aptuit (Verona), Verona, Italy (Di Palma).,Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy (Gabrielli, Milardi).,Blackdown Equine Clinic, Fernhurst, Haslemere, UK (Middleton)
| | - Giulia Morganti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy (Veronesi, Morganti, Lepri).,Department of Preclinical Development, Aptuit (Verona), Verona, Italy (Di Palma).,Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy (Gabrielli, Milardi).,Blackdown Equine Clinic, Fernhurst, Haslemere, UK (Middleton)
| | - Giovanni L Milardi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy (Veronesi, Morganti, Lepri).,Department of Preclinical Development, Aptuit (Verona), Verona, Italy (Di Palma).,Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy (Gabrielli, Milardi).,Blackdown Equine Clinic, Fernhurst, Haslemere, UK (Middleton)
| | - Bruce Middleton
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy (Veronesi, Morganti, Lepri).,Department of Preclinical Development, Aptuit (Verona), Verona, Italy (Di Palma).,Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy (Gabrielli, Milardi).,Blackdown Equine Clinic, Fernhurst, Haslemere, UK (Middleton)
| | - Elvio Lepri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy (Veronesi, Morganti, Lepri).,Department of Preclinical Development, Aptuit (Verona), Verona, Italy (Di Palma).,Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy (Gabrielli, Milardi).,Blackdown Equine Clinic, Fernhurst, Haslemere, UK (Middleton)
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11
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Sarafraz N, Spotin A, Haniloo A, Fazaeli A. Prevalence and molecular analysis of Sarcocystis infections in cattle in Northwest Iran and the first global report of S. gigantea in cattle. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 73:101566. [PMID: 33137631 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Cattle are intermediate host for several species of Sarcocystis, including S. cruzi, S. hirsuta, and S. hominis with high prevalence worldwide. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of Sarcocystis infection, species identification, and phylogenetic analysis of the parasite in cattle in Northwest Iran. The samples of diaphragm and esophagus from 290 cattle were collected from slaughterhouses in Northwest Iran and subjected to macroscopic, microscopic, and histopathology examinations, PCR-RFLP, sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. Tissue cysts of Sarcocystis spp. were detected in 92% of cattle by digestion and microscopic tests. Based on the PCR-RFLP and specific PCR, 87.9% and 1.03% of isolates were identified as S. cruzi, and S. hominis, respectively. Macrocyst was seen in a single sample that was identified as S. gigantea. The haplotype network exhibited the extension of the various haplotypes of S. cruzi between neighboring provinces in Northwest Iran. Heterogeneity analysis of S. cruzi 18S-rRNA sequences indicated genetic diversity among S. cruzi isolates (Haplotype diversity: 0.733-0.854) consisting 16 haplotypes; however, the nucleotide differences showed low diversity (0.01481 to 0.03351). Pair wise sequence distance matrix amongst S. cruzi sequences indicated an intra-species divergence of 0%-7.8% and identity of 92.6%-100%. Sarcocystis infection is highly prevalent in cattle in Northwest Iran, with the predominance of S. cruzi, and genetic variants of this species are unequivocally distributing in Northwest provinces. First global detection of S. gigantea in cattle reflects new insights of transmission dynamic and biology of this parasite in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazila Sarafraz
- Department of Medical Parasitology & Mycology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Adel Spotin
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Haniloo
- Department of Medical Parasitology & Mycology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Asghar Fazaeli
- Department of Medical Parasitology & Mycology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
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12
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Metwally DM, Al-Otaibi TT, Al-Turaiki IM, El-Khadragy MF, Alajmi RA. Identification of Sarcocystis Spp. in One-humped Camels ( Camelus dromedarius) from Riyadh and Dammam, Saudi Arabia, via Histological and Phylogenetic Approaches. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10071108. [PMID: 32605261 PMCID: PMC7401561 DOI: 10.3390/ani10071108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In the present work, we explored the existence of Sarcocystis spp. in samples of camels obtained from abattoirs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We examined tissues of the tongue, heart, esophagus, diaphragm, and skeletal muscle by macroscopic assessments, optical microscopy of tissues, optical microscopy of digested sediment, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by gene sequencing. The results identified Sarcocystis cameli (S. cameli) and S. camelicanis. Sarcocystis spp. were detected in Saudi Arabian camels by molecular analysis. S. levinei and S. miescheriana were most closely related. Abstract Sarcocystis (S.) spp. are intracellular protozoan parasites that infect birds and animals, resulting in substantial commercial losses. Sarcocystis spp. have an indirect life cycle; canines and felines are known to act as final hosts, and numerous domestic and wild animals act as intermediate hosts. The presence of sarcocysts in camel meat may diminish its commercial quality. There is limited knowledge regarding the taxonomy and diagnosis of Sarcocystis spp. that infect camels in Saudi Arabia. In this study, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed S. cameli and S. camelicanis (camelicanis) in Camelus (C.) dromedarius. This is the first report of S. camelicanis in Saudi Arabia and is considered a significant finding. Based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COX1) sequences, two samples of Sarcocystis spp. isolated from C. dromedarius in Riyadh and Dammam were grouped with S. levinei hosted by Bubalus bubalis in India, S. rangi hosted by Rangifer tarandus in Norway, S. miescheriana hosted by Sus scrofa in Italy and S. fayeri hosted by Equus caballus in Canada. The sequences obtained in this study have been deposited in GenBank.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina M. Metwally
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, KSA;
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
- Correspondence:
| | - Tahani T. Al-Otaibi
- Department of Biology, Al-Nairiyah University College, University of Hafr Al-Batin, Hafr Al-Batin 31991, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Isra M. Al-Turaiki
- Department of Information Technology, College of Computer and Information Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Manal F. El-Khadragy
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdelrahman University, Riyadh 84428, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo 11795, Egypt
| | - Reem A. Alajmi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, KSA;
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13
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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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14
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Ma CL, Ye YL, Wen T, Huang ZM, Pan J, Hu JJ, Tao JP, Song JL. Prevalence and morphological and molecular characteristics of Sarcocystis bertrami in horses in China. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 27:1. [PMID: 31908266 PMCID: PMC6945750 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2019078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Three cyst-forming Sarcocystis species have been identified in horsemeat; however, there exists considerable confusion concerning their relationships. Here, 74% (34/46) of the examined tissue samples from horses contained sarcocysts based on examination by light microscopy (LM), and the organism was identified as Sarcocystis bertrami based on cyst structure. The S. bertrami cysts were microscopic (up to 6750 μm in length) and exhibited a striated wall with 2.0-5.1 μm villar protrusions (vps) under LM. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations showed that the vps were tightly packed, similar to "type 11c". Four genetic markers (18S, 28S, ITS1 and the mitochondrial cox1 gene) of S. bertrami were sequenced and analyzed. The 28S and ITS1 sequences are the first records for Sarcocystis in horses. The newly obtained sequences of the 18S and cox1 genes both shared the highest similarities with those of S. bertrami and S. fayeri obtained from horses. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 18S, 28S and cox1 sequences revealed that S. bertrami and S. fayeri formed an independent clade within a group comprising Sarcocystis spp. from ruminants and pigs. Therefore, S. bertrami and S. fayeri are considered to represent the same species of Sarcocystis in horses, and S. fayeri is a junior synonym of Sarcocystis bertrami.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Li Ma
- School of Biological Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, PR China
| | - Yu-Long Ye
- School of Biological Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, PR China
| | - Tao Wen
- School of Biological Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, PR China
| | - Zhu-Mei Huang
- School of Biological Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, PR China
| | - Jing Pan
- School of Biological Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, PR China
| | - Jun-Jie Hu
- School of Biological Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, PR China - Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Science, Yezin, Nay Pyi Taw 05282, Myanmar
| | - Jian-Ping Tao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China
| | - Jing-Ling Song
- Electron Microscope Laboratory, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, PR China
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15
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Stacy BA, Chapman PA, Stockdale-Walden H, Work TM, Dagenais J, Foley AM, Wideroff M, Wellehan JFX, Childress AL, Manire CA, Rodriguez M, Zachariah TT, Staggs L, Zirkelbach B, Nahvi N, Crowder W, Boylan SM, Marquardt S, Pelton C, Norton TM. Caryospora-Like Coccidia Infecting Green Turtles ( Chelonia mydas): An Emerging Disease With Evidence of Interoceanic Dissemination. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:372. [PMID: 31696124 PMCID: PMC6817580 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Protozoa morphologically consistent with Caryospora sp. are one of the few pathogens associated with episodic mass mortality events involving free-ranging sea turtles. Parasitism of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) by these coccidia and associated mortality was first reported in maricultured turtles in the Caribbean during the 1970s. Years later, epizootics affecting wild green turtles in Australia occurred in 1991 and 2014. The first clinical cases of Caryospora-like infections reported elsewhere in free-ranging turtles were from the southeastern US in 2012. Following these initial individual cases in this region, we documented an epizootic and mass mortality of green turtles along the Atlantic coast of southern Florida from November 2014 through April 2015 and continued to detect additional, sporadic cases in the southeastern US in subsequent years. No cases of coccidial disease were recorded in the southeastern US prior to 2012 despite clinical evaluation and necropsy of stranded sea turtles in this region since the 1980s, suggesting that the frequency of clinical coccidiosis has increased here. Moreover, we also recorded the first stranding associated with infection by a Caryospora-like organism in Hawai'i in 2018. To further characterize the coccidia, we sequenced part of the 18S ribosomal and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I genes of coccidia collected from 62 green turtles found in the southeastern US and from one green turtle found in Hawai'i. We also sequenced the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer regions from selected cases and compared all results with those obtained from Caryospora-like coccidia collected from green turtles found in Australia. Eight distinct genotypes were represented in green turtles from the southeastern US. One genotype predominated and was identical to that of coccidia collected from the green turtle found in Hawai'i. We also found a coccidian genotype in green turtles from Florida and Australia with identical 18S and mitochondrial sequences, and only slight inter-regional differences in the internal transcribed spacer 2. We found no evidence of geographical structuring based on phylogenetic analysis. Low genetic variability among the coccidia found in green turtle populations with minimal natural connectivity suggests recent interoceanic dissemination of these parasites, which could pose a risk to sea turtle populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian A Stacy
- National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources, University of Florida (Duty Station), Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Phoebe A Chapman
- Veterinary-Marine Animal Research Teaching and Investigation Unit, School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, Australia
| | - Heather Stockdale-Walden
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Thierry M Work
- US Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Honolulu Field Station, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Julie Dagenais
- US Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Honolulu Field Station, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Allen M Foley
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Jacksonville Field Laboratory, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Morgan Wideroff
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Jacksonville Field Laboratory, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - James F X Wellehan
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - April L Childress
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | | | | | | | - Lydia Staggs
- Veterinary Services, Zoological Operations, SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando, FL, United States
| | | | - Nina Nahvi
- Sea Turtle, Inc., South Padre Island, TX, United States
| | - Whitney Crowder
- Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility, Boca Raton, FL, United States
| | | | | | - Craig Pelton
- Volusia Marine Science Center, Ponce Inlet, FL, United States
| | - Terry M Norton
- The Turtle Hospital, Marathon, FL, United States.,Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Jekyll Island, GA, United States
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16
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Balji Y, Knicky M, Zamaratskaia G. Perspectives and safety of horsemeat consumption. Int J Food Sci Technol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/ijfs.14390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuriy Balji
- Department of Veterinary Sanitation S. Seifullin Kazakh AgroTechnical University Zhenis avenue 62 Nur‐Sultan 010011 Kazakhstan
| | - Martin Knicky
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Box 7024 Uppsala 750 07 Sweden
| | - Galia Zamaratskaia
- Department of Molecular Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Box 7015 Uppsala 750 07 Sweden
- Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters South Bohemian Research Centre of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice Zatisi 728/II Vodnany 389 25 Czech Republic
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17
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Sarcocystis spp. in Romanian Slaughtered Cattle: Molecular Characterization and Epidemiological Significance of the Findings. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:4123154. [PMID: 31737662 PMCID: PMC6815619 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4123154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Species of the genus Sarcocystis are recognized as protozoan parasites infecting a wide range of animals, including humans. This study aimed to provide data on the occurrence, genetic characterization, and epidemiological significance of Sarcocystis spp. in cattle destined for human consumption in Romania. A total of 117 heart samples from slaughtered cattle in three southwestern Romanian counties (Dolj, Timiș, and Gorj) were analyzed in order to detect sarcocysts, using fresh examination microscopic techniques. Subsequently, the isolated sarcocysts and/or cyst fragments (5-15 per sample) from each infected animal were molecularly characterized. Overall, 17.9% (21/117) of the tested animals were found to be Sarcocystis spp. positive by microscopy. Genetic characterization of Sarcocystis spp. isolates, based on sequence analysis of the 18S rRNA gene, showed the presence of a single species, namely S. cruzi. No correlation was found (p > 0.05) between S. cruzi infection and the origin, age, breed, and gender of cattle, but the grazing farming system was positively associated (p=0.031) with the pathogen prevalence and can be considered a risk factor (OR = 3.6) in acquiring infection. To evaluate the possible public health risk, further investigation focused on the processing of other Sarcocystis-specific tissue matrices and evidence of human infections is recommended. This is the first study of bovine Sarcocystis infection in Romania.
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18
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Passantino G, Lia RP, Latrofa S, Annoscia G, Šlapeta J, Otranto D, Rossi R, Zizzo N. Sarcocystis bertrami in skeletal muscles of donkeys (Equus africanus asinus) from Southern Italy. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2019; 16:100283. [PMID: 31027592 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2018] [Revised: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Among the protozoa of the genus Sarcocystis (Apicomplexa; Sarcocystidae), Sarcocystis bertrami (syn. Sarcocystis fayeri) is an obligate intracellular parasite of donkeys and horses with worldwide distribution. Here, we report the detection of S. bertrami in naturally infected donkeys from southern Italy and describe their structure by light microscopy (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Protozoal cysts were detected both morphologically and molecularly in skeletal muscles of 28.57% (40/140) donkeys. Mature cysts of S. bertrami were found in skeletal muscle measuring 31-102 μm long and 19-83 μm wide with radially striated thick cyst wall. The high prevalence of infected donkeys suggests that dogs, the definitive hosts of S. bertrami, are contaminating environment with environmentally resistant sporocysts. Considering the increased consumption of raw donkey meat results also suggest a potential risk for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Passantino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Valenzano, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Paolo Lia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Valenzano, Italy
| | - Stefania Latrofa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Valenzano, Italy
| | - Giada Annoscia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Valenzano, Italy
| | - Jan Šlapeta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Valenzano, Italy; School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Valenzano, Italy
| | - Roberta Rossi
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Zizzo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Valenzano, Italy
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