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Shamsi S, Brown K, Francis N, Barton DP, Jenkins DJ. First findings of Sarcocystis species in game deer and feral pigs in Australia. Int J Food Microbiol 2024; 421:110780. [PMID: 38909489 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2024.110780] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Several wild game meat species, including deer and feral pigs are hunted and consumed in Australia. Feral pigs and deer are not indigenous to Australia, but they have proliferated extensively and established their presence in every state and territory. Following the report of a sambar deer displaying Sarcocystis like white cysts in its rump muscles, the present study was conducted to explore the prevalence of Sarcocystis infections in wild deer and feral pigs in the southeastern regions of Australia. Oesophagus, diaphragm, and heart tissue from 90 deer and eight feral pigs were examined visually for sarcocysts. All results were negative. PCR testing of randomly selected deer and feral pigs yielded positive results, which were subsequently supported by histopathology. This is the first study to report the presence of Sarcocystis spp. in deer and feral pigs in Australia. As no visual cysts were found on the heart or oesophagus that came back positive with PCR, infected animals, particularly those reared free-range, could be passing through meat quality checks unidentified. If people consume this meat without cooking it properly, it may lead to a human infection of Sarcocystis. However, a more targeted study focused on determining the parasite's prevalence and assessing its risks is necessary to determine if it constitutes a food safety issue. As this species has been found not only in feral pigs but also in domestic pigs, the potential for infection spreading between feral pigs and pigs in free-range livestock systems is high, potentially posing a large problem for the Australian pork industry, particularly with the increased emphasis on free-range pig husbandry. Future studies should concentrate on determining the species of Sarcocystis in feral animals commonly consumed as game meat to determine potential zoonotic risks. This could also include a more in-depth look at the prevalence of Sarcocystis infections in other game animals. Identifying where these parasites are present and to what extent, are important areas for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shokoofeh Shamsi
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga 2678, Australia.
| | - Keira Brown
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga 2678, Australia.
| | - Nidhish Francis
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga 2678, Australia
| | - Diane P Barton
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga 2678, Australia
| | - David J Jenkins
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga 2678, Australia
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Dimzas D, Rubiola S, Pacifico L, Veneziano V, Chiesa F, Chassalevris T, Diakou A. Microscopic detection and molecular characterization of Sarcocystis miescheriana in wild boars (Sus scrofa): first report from Greece. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:234. [PMID: 38850432 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08254-6] [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: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
The genus Sarcocystis includes protozoan parasites with an indirect life cycle. Sarcocystis spp. can infect various animal species and humans, causing sarcocystosis, a parasitosis of economic importance and zoonotic concern. Wild boars can act as intermediate hosts for Sarcocystis miescheriana and the zoonotic Sarcocystis suihominis that infects humans by consumption of raw or undercooked infected swine meat. In the present study, the diaphragmatic muscle tissue of 123 wild boars hunted in Greece was examined to determine the frequency of Sarcocystis spp. The samples were examined by tissue compression and molecular techniques. Under light microscopy, 34 out of 123 (27.6%) wild boars tested positive for Sarcocystis spp., while a higher infection prevalence (75%) was revealed by multiplex PCR performed in 100 of the samples. The partial mtDNA cox1 gene (~ 1100 bp) of 20 samples tested positive for S. miescheriana by multiplex PCR was amplified and sequenced. Sarcocystis miescheriana was identified as the only species involved in these infections. This is the first study on the prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. in wild animals in Greece. Further, large-scale surveys are needed to assess the prevalence and species of this parasite in Greece and to design efficient control and preventive measures in a One Health perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Dimzas
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Selene Rubiola
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, 10095, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Pacifico
- Department of Prevention, Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety Area, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Caserta, Via Feudo Di San Martino 10, Caserta, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Veneziano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Chiesa
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, 10095, Turin, Italy
| | - Taxiarchis Chassalevris
- Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54627, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anastasia Diakou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Helman E, Dellarupe A, Steffen KD, Bernstein M, Moré G. Morphological and molecular characterization of Sarcocystis spp. in pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) from Argentina. Parasitol Int 2024; 100:102859. [PMID: 38199523 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2024.102859] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Sarcocystis spp. are intracellular protozoan parasites with an obligatory heteroxenous life cycle. The objective of this study was to identify Sarcocystis spp. in pig muscles from Argentina, by light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and molecular studies. Muscles samples from 561 pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) were classified according to the breeding system in: intensive farming (IF, n = 295; animals kept in confinement during most of their productive cycle), or semi-extensive farming (SEF, n = 266; animals bred outdoors, generally family or backyard production). Results showed that 24.8% (139/561) were positive by light microscopy, with a significantly higher prevalence in the SEF (34.6%; 92/266) than the IF pigs (15.9%; 47/295) (p < 0.05). Of the 202 samples analyzed by PCR, 96 were positive (47.5%) for the 18S rRNA (18S ribosomal RNA) fragment. All samples analyzed by the S. suihominis specific coxI (mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) PCR (n = 235; 96 positives by 18S rRNA PCR and 139 positives by light microscopy) were negative. Fourteen individual cysts were positive for the 18S rRNA PCR and sequenced. Consensus sequences obtained from the 18S rRNA fragment PCR ranged from 613 to 880 bp and showed 100% of identity between them and with previously reported S. miescheriana sequences. In all the pig samples analyzed by TEM, cyst wall ultrastructure was compatible with S. miescheriana. This is the first study that provides infection rates and describes and identifies morphological and molecular features of Sarcocystis spp. cysts in pigs from Argentina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Helman
- Argentinean National Council of Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290 (C1425FQB) CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratory of Immunoparasitology (LAINPA), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (FCV-UNLP), La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - Andrea Dellarupe
- Argentinean National Council of Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290 (C1425FQB) CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratory of Immunoparasitology (LAINPA), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (FCV-UNLP), La Plata 1900, Argentina.
| | - Kevin Denis Steffen
- Argentinean National Council of Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290 (C1425FQB) CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratory of Immunoparasitology (LAINPA), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (FCV-UNLP), La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - Mariana Bernstein
- Argentinean National Council of Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290 (C1425FQB) CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratory of Immunoparasitology (LAINPA), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (FCV-UNLP), La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - Gastón Moré
- Argentinean National Council of Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290 (C1425FQB) CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratory of Immunoparasitology (LAINPA), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (FCV-UNLP), La Plata 1900, Argentina; Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Langgasssstrasse 122, Bern 3012, Switzerland
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da Rosa G, Roman IJ, Gressler LT, Cargnelutti JF, Vogel FSF. Molecular identification of Sarcocystis species in wild boar (Sus scrofa) and pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) in Brazil. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 50:101020. [PMID: 38644041 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101020] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Sarcocystis spp. are protozoan parasites that form cysts in the organs and musculature of various animal species. The species Sarcocystis miescheriana and Sarcocystis suihominis are pathogenic to pigs and wild boars (Sus scrofa), acting as intermediate hosts, while humans are the definitive host for S. suihominis. To date, there have been no reports of the identification of these coccidian species in Sus scrofa in Brazil. Therefore, in this study, we conducted the first molecular identification of Sarcocystis species using PCR-RFLP and sequencing. A total of 210 samples were analyzed, of this total, 67 tested positive for Sarcocystis spp., representing 31.9% of the total samples assessed. Out of the total positive samples, 55 (82.1%) were identified as S. miescheriana and 8 (11.9%) as S. suihominis, a zoonotic species. Additionally, other species related to bovines, such as S. cruzi and zoonotic S. hominis, were detected in 3.0% of the samples, serving as contaminants in the pork products. The presence of S. suihominis in swine and wild boar samples is concerning due to the zoonotic risk and potential environmental contamination, as humans act as definitive hosts, also for the presence of S. hominis as a bovine contaminant in pork sausages. Furthermore, we confirmed the efficacy of the PCR-RFLP technique as a reliable tool for the identification of Sarcocystis species, demonstrating its potential use in laboratories for molecular diagnosis and rapid identification of these parasites, aiming to protect public health and ensure food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilneia da Rosa
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima, 1000, Prédio 63D, Santa Maria, Rio Grande Do Sul 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Isac Junior Roman
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima, 1000, Prédio 63D, Santa Maria, Rio Grande Do Sul 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Letícia Trevisan Gressler
- Laboratório de Microbiologia e Imunologia Veterinária (LAMIVET), Instituto Federal Farroupilha, Campus Frederico Westphalen, Linha 7 de Setembro, BR 386 - KM 40 s/n, Frederico Westphalen, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Juliana Felipetto Cargnelutti
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia (LABAC), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, n° 1000, Prédio 63C, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Silveira Flôres Vogel
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima, 1000, Prédio 63D, Santa Maria, Rio Grande Do Sul 97105-900, Brazil.
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Matoute A, Maestri S, Saout M, Laghoe L, Simon S, Blanquart H, Hernandez Martinez MA, Pierre Demar M. Meat-Borne-Parasite: A Nanopore-Based Meta-Barcoding Work-Flow for Parasitic Microbiodiversity Assessment in the Wild Fauna of French Guiana. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:3810-3821. [PMID: 38785505 PMCID: PMC11119736 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46050237] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
French Guiana, located in the Guiana Shield, is a natural reservoir for many zoonotic pathogens that are of considerable medical or veterinary importance. Until now, there has been limited data available on the description of parasites circulating in this area, especially on protozoan belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa; conversely, the neighbouring countries describe a high parasitic prevalence in animals and humans. Epidemiological surveillance is necessary, as new potentially virulent strains may emerge from these forest ecosystems, such as Amazonian toxoplasmosis. However, there is no standard tool for detecting protozoa in wildlife. In this study, we developed Meat-Borne-Parasite, a high-throughput meta-barcoding workflow for detecting Apicomplexa based on the Oxford Nanopore Technologies sequencing platform using the 18S gene of 14 Apicomplexa positive samples collected in French Guiana. Sequencing reads were then analysed with MetONTIIME pipeline. Thanks to a scoring rule, we were able to classify 10 samples out of 14 as Apicomplexa positive and reveal the presence of co-carriages. The same samples were also sequenced with the Illumina platform for validation purposes. For samples identified as Apicomplexa positive by both platforms, a strong positive correlation at up to the genus level was reported. Overall, the presented workflow represents a reliable method for Apicomplexa detection, which may pave the way for more comprehensive biomonitoring of zoonotic pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adria Matoute
- Tropical Biome and Immunopathophysiology (TBIP), Université de Guyane, 97300 Cayenne, France; (A.M.); (S.M.); (M.S.); (L.L.); (S.S.)
- U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, CHU Lille, INSERM, CNRS, Université Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Simone Maestri
- Tropical Biome and Immunopathophysiology (TBIP), Université de Guyane, 97300 Cayenne, France; (A.M.); (S.M.); (M.S.); (L.L.); (S.S.)
| | - Mona Saout
- Tropical Biome and Immunopathophysiology (TBIP), Université de Guyane, 97300 Cayenne, France; (A.M.); (S.M.); (M.S.); (L.L.); (S.S.)
- U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, CHU Lille, INSERM, CNRS, Université Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Laure Laghoe
- Tropical Biome and Immunopathophysiology (TBIP), Université de Guyane, 97300 Cayenne, France; (A.M.); (S.M.); (M.S.); (L.L.); (S.S.)
- U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, CHU Lille, INSERM, CNRS, Université Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Stéphane Simon
- Tropical Biome and Immunopathophysiology (TBIP), Université de Guyane, 97300 Cayenne, France; (A.M.); (S.M.); (M.S.); (L.L.); (S.S.)
- U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, CHU Lille, INSERM, CNRS, Université Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | | | - Miguel Angel Hernandez Martinez
- Laboratoire Associé du CNR Leishmaniose, Laboratoire Hospitalo-Universitaire de Parasitologie et Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Andrée Rosemon, 97300 Cayenne, France;
| | - Magalie Pierre Demar
- Tropical Biome and Immunopathophysiology (TBIP), Université de Guyane, 97300 Cayenne, France; (A.M.); (S.M.); (M.S.); (L.L.); (S.S.)
- U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, CHU Lille, INSERM, CNRS, Université Lille, 59000 Lille, France
- Laboratoire Associé du CNR Leishmaniose, Laboratoire Hospitalo-Universitaire de Parasitologie et Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Andrée Rosemon, 97300 Cayenne, France;
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Šneideris D, Moskaliova D, Butkauskas D, Prakas P. The Distribution of Sarcocsytis Species Described by Ungulates-Canids Life Cycle in Intestines of Small Predators of the Family Mustelidae. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:747-758. [PMID: 38413556 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-024-00814-1] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Using molecular techniques, we have previously shown that carnivorous mammals of the family Mustelidae might be common definitive hosts for various protozoan Sarcocystis species. In the present study we aimed to unravel whether Sarcocystis species using ungulates as intermediate hosts and canids or felids as definitive hosts can be found in intestine of mustelids. METHODS Small intestine samples of 93 individual mustelids of five different species from Lithuania were examined. Sarcocystis species were identified based on species-specific PCR and subsequent cox1 sequencing. RESULTS Six Sarcocystis species (S. arieticanis, S. bertrami, S. capracanis, S. capreolicanis, S. linearis and S. morae) defined by ungulate-canid life cycle were detected for the first time in small intestines of mustelids. By contrast, the prevalence of Sarcocystis characterised by ungulate-felid life cycle was low (3.2%). Overall, 76% of the examined animals were positive for at least one of the studied Sarcocystis species. Four species, S. arieticanis, S. bertrami, S. capracanis and S. morae were most commonly found, with the detection rate of about 40%. CONCLUSIONS The current finding, in addition to our previous studies, suggests that mustelids play an important role in the spread of various Sarcocystis species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Petras Prakas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
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Oduori DO, Kitala PM, Wachira TM, Mulinge E, Zeyhle E, Gabriël S, Gathura PB. Sympatric occurrence of Taenia saginata and Sarcocystis spp. in cattle from Narok County, Kenya: meat inspection findings with molecular validation. J Helminthol 2024; 98:e20. [PMID: 38380478 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x24000129] [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] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
The epidemiological picture of Taenia saginata infections in Kenya is fragmented with limited available data. Although Sarcocystis species are significant meat-borne parasites, few studies have explored their occurrence in Kenya. This study aimed to estimate the occurrence of bovine cysticercosis and screen for the presence of Sarcocystis spp. A meat inspection-based survey was conducted in ten abattoirs in Narok County, Kenya, and inspection for T. saginata cysticerci was limited to the Triceps brachii muscle. The apparent occurrence of the parasite was 5.4% (95% CI, 3.8, 7.6, n=573). Molecular confirmation of T. saginata was done via nested polymerase chain reaction targeting the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA gene and restricted fragment length polymorphism. Sarcocystis species were identified using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction method targeting the 18S ribosomal RNA gene sequences and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene. Of the 31 cystic lesions tested, 26/31 (83.9%) were confirmed to be T. saginata.Sarcocystis cruzi and S. hominis were detected in 8/31 (25.8%) and 1/31 (3.2%) of the cystic lesions, respectively. Co-infections of S. cruzi and T. saginata were found in 6/31 lesions (19.4%). The confirmation of bovine cysticercosis and S. hominis is suggestive of the presence of risky culinary and sanitation practices that facilitate transmission. This is the first report and molecular confirmation of Sarcocystis spp. in cattle in the country. The presence of both zoonotic S. hominis and pathogenic S. cruzi highlights an underexplored concern of veterinary and human health significance, warranting further epidemiological investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- D O Oduori
- Department of Public Health Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, Kangemi, Kenya
- Department of Animal Health and Production, Maasai Mara University, Narok, Kenya
| | - P M Kitala
- Department of Public Health Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, Kangemi, Kenya
| | - T M Wachira
- Department of Public Health Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, Kangemi, Kenya
| | - E Mulinge
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - E Zeyhle
- Meru University of Science and Technology, Meru, Kenya
| | - S Gabriël
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, University of Ghent, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - P B Gathura
- Department of Public Health Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, Kangemi, Kenya
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Jauregui Z, Salas-Fajardo MY, Puicón V, Lucas JR. Prevalence and distribution pattern of Sarcocystis spp. in slaughtered cattle from the Peruvian tropical Andes, Peru. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 48:100990. [PMID: 38316505 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.100990] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and distribution patterns of Sarcocystis spp. in cattle tissues in Chachapoyas province in the Peruvian tropical Andes. Additionally, the risk factors associated with the prevalence and the correlation of two diagnostic techniques (direct microscopy of squashed fresh muscle tissues and histopathology) were explored. The tongue, heart, esophagus, Latissimus dorsi muscle, and diaphragm of 210 animals slaughtered in the municipal slaughterhouse of Chachapoyas were evaluated by both techniques. Macroscopic sarcocysts were detected in 16.7% of tissues (CI 95% 11.7-21.7%). The total prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. was 96.2% (95% CI 93.6-98.8%) by direct light microscopy and 100% by histopathology. The highest Sarcocystis prevalence was detected in the esophagus. No significant statistical differences were found in the prevalence of Sarcocystis related to sex, age, or provenance. Both techniques demonstrated a very weak Kappa correlation (κ ≤ 0.24) in predicting the presence of the parasite in each of the five evaluated muscles. Direct microscopy can be implemented at slaughterhouses as a rapid screening test, but it is essential to confirm by histopathology the absence of the parasite in direct-microscopy-negative samples. It is also recommended that beef from the Peruvian Andes be thoroughly cooked for both human and animal consumption because of the zoonotic potential of some species of Sarcocystis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoilita Jauregui
- Private Veterinary Practitioner, Amazonas Department, CP 0100, Peru
| | | | - Víctor Puicón
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Tarapoto, CP 22201, Peru
| | - J Raul Lucas
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, San Borja, Lima 15021, Peru.
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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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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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Bezerra TL, de Jesus RF, Soares RM, Borges-Silva W, Gondim LFP. Sarcocystis sp. shed by the common boa snake ( Boa constrictor) in Brazil. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 22:84-91. [PMID: 37731591 PMCID: PMC10507586 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.09.001] [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] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
The genus Sarcocystis contains around 200 species and 25 of these infect snakes. Two Sarcocystis spp. shed by snakes have called special attention of the scientific community. S. nesbitti, which is shed by scrub pythons (Simalia amethistina), causes myopathy in humans that consume water or food contaminated with the parasite. Sporocysts of S. singaporensis, excreted by reticulated pythons (Malayopython reticulatus), is letal for rats and was successfully tested in the biological control of these rodents. A high biodiversity of snakes is found in Brazil, however, scarce information is available about Sarcocystis spp. in Brazilian snakes. Herein, we investigated Sarcocystis sp. in feces of the common boa (Boa constrictor) from Salvador, as it is widely distributed in Brazil and it is also bred in other countries. Feces of 65 boas were examined, and Sarcocystis sp. was found in 1/65 (1.53%) snakes. All snakes were alive, and for this reason, intestinal scrapping, which is the most sensitive method to detect the parasite, was not performed. Morphometric evaluation of sporocysts showed significant differences in their sizes. PCR and multilocus sequencing of four genetic markers (cox1, 18S, ITS1, and 28S) revealed that sporocysts corresponded to a new Sarcocystis species. Sequences of cox1 and 18S had identities of 100% and higher than 98%, respectively, with sequences obtained from the rodent Lagostomus maximus in Argentina. ITS1 and 28S sequences did not match with any known Sarcocystis sp. No ITS1 and 28S sequences were available for the Sarcocystis sp. found in the Argentinian L.maximus. Bioassay using the boa sporocysts was conducted in three mouse lineages and in Rattus norvegicus, but no parasitic stages were detected in these rodents. We concluded that the common boa is probably the definitive host of a new species of Sarcocystis sp. that has L. maximus or related rodents as intermediate hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taynar Lima Bezerra
- Department of Anatomy, Pathology and Clinics, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Escola de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Avenida Adhemar de Barros, 500, Ondina, Salvador, 40170-110, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Rogério Fernando de Jesus
- Department of Anatomy, Pathology and Clinics, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Escola de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Avenida Adhemar de Barros, 500, Ondina, Salvador, 40170-110, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Martins Soares
- Departament of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr.Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05508 270, Brazil
| | - Waléria Borges-Silva
- Department of Anatomy, Pathology and Clinics, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Escola de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Avenida Adhemar de Barros, 500, Ondina, Salvador, 40170-110, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Luís Fernando Pita Gondim
- Department of Anatomy, Pathology and Clinics, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Escola de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Avenida Adhemar de Barros, 500, Ondina, Salvador, 40170-110, Bahia, Brazil
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Amairia S, Jbeli M, Mrabet S, Mahjoubi Jebabli L, Gharbi M. Molecular Prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. and Toxoplasma gondii in Slaughtered Equids in Northern Tunisia. J Equine Vet Sci 2023; 129:104894. [PMID: 37506984 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104894] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Sarcocystis spp. and Toxoplasma gondii are two apicomplexan protozoa that infect a broad range of vertebrates, however, little is known about the infection of equids with these parasites. A total of 184 slaughtered equids from slaughterhouses of Bizerte and Tunis located in Northern Tunisia, were examined for meat infections with Sarcocystis spp. and T. gondii by PCR. The prevalence of infections with Sarcocystis spp. and T. gondii were 38% (95% CI: 31-45) and 39.7% (95% CI: 32.6-46.7), respectively. The highest prevalence of infection with Sarcocystis spp. was observed in donkeys (48.6%; 95% CI: 37.3-60) followed by mules (32.8%; 95%CI: 21.3-44.3), and horses (28.3%; 95% CI: 15.2-41.2) (P = .04). Similarly, the highest prevalence of infection with T. gondii was also observed in donkeys (66.2%; 95% CI: 55.4-77), followed by mules (18.7%; 95%CI: 9.2-28.3), and horses (26.1%; 95%CI: 13.4-38.8) (P < .001). The coinfection prevalence was estimated to be 17.4% (95%CI: 11.9-22.9). Taking into consideration that humans can be infected following consumption of infected equid meat with T. gondii and/or some Sarcocystis species, it is important to assess the risk of human infection. Thus, further studies are needed to better understand the epidemiology of these zoonoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safa Amairia
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, University of Manouba, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia.
| | - Mounir Jbeli
- Health and Veterinary Control Division, Ministry of Defense, Ksar Saïd Military Base, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Slim Mrabet
- Department of Hygiene, Municipality of Bizerte, Bizerte, Tunisia
| | - Leila Mahjoubi Jebabli
- Tunis Abattoir, Health, Hygiene and Environment Service, Ministry of Interior, Montfleury, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Gharbi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, University of Manouba, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
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Barakat AZ, Abdel-Aty AM, Ibrahim MK, Salah HA, Hegazy UM, Azouz RAM, Bassuiny RI, Shaapan RM, Mohamed SA. Purification and characterization of cysteine protease of Sarcocystis fusiformis from infected Egyptian water buffaloes. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16123. [PMID: 37752241 PMCID: PMC10522634 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43147-1] [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: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcocystis spp. infects water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) causing sarcocystosis. In the present study, Sarcocystis fusiformis was recognized in Egyptian water buffaloes based on histological observation and molecular analysis of internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COX-1) gene fragments. Chemotherapy and vaccines against Sarcocystis spp. could potentially target proteases because they may play a crucial role in the infection. Cysteine proteases are multifunctional enzymes involved in vital metabolic processes. However, the involvement of proteases in S. fusiform infection has not yet been characterized. Here, the purification and study on some biochemical properties of protease isolated from cysts of S. fusiform were carried out. Protease with a molecular weight of 100 kDa was purified. LC-MS/MS analyzed the protein sequence of purified protease and the data suggested that the enzyme might be related to the cysteine protease. The purified protease exhibited maximum activity at pH 6 and a temperature of 50 °C. The Michaelis-Menten constant (Km), the maximum velocity (Vmax), and the turnover number (Kcat) were determined. The complete inhibition effect of cysteine inhibitors indicated that the purified enzyme is a cysteine protease. The results suggested that S. fusiform proteolytic enzyme may be necessary for parasite survival in water buffaloes by digesting host tissues. Therefore, cysteine protease could be a suitable target for vaccinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Z Barakat
- Molecular Biology Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Azza M Abdel-Aty
- Molecular Biology Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa K Ibrahim
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hala A Salah
- Molecular Biology Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Usama M Hegazy
- Molecular Biology Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rasha A M Azouz
- Molecular Biology Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Roqaya I Bassuiny
- Molecular Biology Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Raafat M Shaapan
- Zoonotic Disease Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Saleh A Mohamed
- Molecular Biology Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt.
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Prakas P, Stankevičiūtė J, Švažas S, Juozaitytė-Ngugu E, Butkauskas D, Vaitkevičiūtė-Balčė R. Sarcocystis spp. Macrocysts Infection in Wildfowl Species in Eastern Baltic Region: Trends in Prevalence in 2011-2022. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2875. [PMID: 37760275 PMCID: PMC10525337 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182875] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Wildfowl meat infected with S. rileyi macrocysts is not suitable for human consumption. Ducks are among the main game birds in Europe, and S. rileyi infections cause significant economic losses. In 2011-2022, a total of 2649 anseriforms collected in Lithuania and 619 Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) hunted in the Kaliningrad region of Russia, Belarus, and Latvia were tested for macrocysts. In Lithuania, macrocysts were detected in 206 of 2362 Mallards (8.7%) and in two of 88 (2.3%) Eurasian Teals (Anas crecca). The prevalence of macrocysts in the other three countries, Belarus (5.9%), Russia (5.0%), and Latvia (3.1%), was similar. For species identification, macrocysts isolated from 37 Mallards (21 from Lithuania, 8 from Russia, 6 from Belarus, and 2 from Latvia) were subjected to sequencing of the ITS1 region. Based on DNA analysis, S. rileyi was confirmed in all tested birds. By comparing the infection rates of macrocysts in Mallards in Lithuania, significant differences were observed in different years (p = 0.036), and a significantly higher prevalence of infection was established in November-December than in September-October (p = 0.028). Given the amount of data per decade on the prevalence of S. rileyi, awareness of infection needs to be increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petras Prakas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (S.Š.); (E.J.-N.); (D.B.)
| | - Jolanta Stankevičiūtė
- Agriculture Academy, Vytautas Magnus University, Studentų Str 11, Kaunas District, 53361 Akademija, Lithuania; (J.S.); (R.V.-B.)
| | - Saulius Švažas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (S.Š.); (E.J.-N.); (D.B.)
| | | | - Dalius Butkauskas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (S.Š.); (E.J.-N.); (D.B.)
| | - Rasa Vaitkevičiūtė-Balčė
- Agriculture Academy, Vytautas Magnus University, Studentų Str 11, Kaunas District, 53361 Akademija, Lithuania; (J.S.); (R.V.-B.)
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Van Den Broucke S, Dorny P, Van Esbroeck M, Bottieau E. Microscopic Detection of Intestinal Sarcocystis Infection Diagnosed in International Travelers at the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium, from 2001 to 2020. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 109:327-331. [PMID: 37277109 PMCID: PMC10397430 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Although a stay in tropical regions is considered a risk factor for acquiring Sarcocystis infection, to date intestinal sarcocystosis has never been described in returning travelers. We did a retrospective cross-sectional study, retrieving all Sarcocystis spp. microscopy-positive stool results of individuals who attended the travel clinic of the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp in the period from 2001 to 2020. We reviewed the medical records and report on the epidemiology and clinical features of intestinal sarcocystosis in international travelers. In 57 (0.09%) of 60,006 stool samples, oocysts or sporocysts of Sarcocystis spp. were found, often together with other intestinal infections. Twenty-two (37%) individuals were asymptomatic, 17 (30%) had intestinal ± extraintestinal symptoms, and 18 (32%) had extraintestinal symptoms only. Only one traveler had symptoms suggestive of acute gastrointestinal sarcocystosis without an alternative diagnosis. Intestinal Sarcocystis infection predominated in male travelers. At least 10 travelers most likely acquired intestinal Sarcocystis in Africa, where it was never described before. In a national reference travel clinic in Europe, the presence of intestinal Sarcocystis oocysts is a rare finding, predominant in male travelers. Infection with this parasite infrequently leads to suggestive clinical manifestations such as acute gastrointestinal symptoms. Our data strongly suggest that Sarcocystis can be acquired throughout tropical areas, including Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pierre Dorny
- Medical Helminthology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marjan Van Esbroeck
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Emmanuel Bottieau
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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Šukytė T, Butkauskas D, Juozaitytė-Ngugu E, Švažas S, Prakas P. Molecular Confirmation of Accipiter Birds of Prey as Definitive Hosts of Numerous Sarcocystis Species, including Sarcocystis sp., Closely Related to Pathogenic S. calchasi. Pathogens 2023; 12:752. [PMID: 37375442 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060752] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to test intestinal scrapings of the Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) and the Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) from Lithuania for S. calchasi and other Sarcocystis species characterised by bird-bird life cycles. The protozoan parasite Sarcocystis calchasi can cause respiratory and neurological diseases in a variety of birds; however, the distribution of this parasite is not well-examined. Sarcocystis species were identified with nested PCR and sequencing of the partial ITS1 region. Sporocysts and/or sporulated oocysts of Sarcocystis spp. were observed in 16 (100%) Northern Goshawks and 9 (56.3%) Eurasian Sparrowhawks. Four species, S. columbae, S. halieti, S. turdusi, and S. wobeseri, were confirmed in the Eurasian Sparrowhawk. Apart from the latter four species, S. calchasi, S. cornixi, S. kutkienae, and S. lari were established in the Northern Goshawk. A higher prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. and species richness in Northern Goshawks is associated with the differences in the diet of two examined Accipiter species. This study is the first report of S. calchasi in Lithuania. Furthermore, the genetically distinct species Sarcocystis spp. 23LTAcc, which is most closely related to S. calchasi, was found in three Northern Goshawks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tautvilė Šukytė
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | | | - Saulius Švažas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Petras Prakas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania
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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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El-Sayad M, El-Taweel H, Ahmed A, Abd El-Latif N. Sarcocystosis among buffaloes from slaughterhouses in Nile Delta, Egypt: morphologic assessment and molecular confirmation. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY RESEARCH 2023; 24:313-319. [PMID: 38799287 PMCID: PMC11127730 DOI: 10.22099/ijvr.2023.48129.7006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Background Sarcocystis species are coccidian protozoan zoonotic parasites of the phylum Apicomplexa. There is a large diversity of Sarcocystis species. Some of them are pathogenic and dangerous to humans, domestic, and wild animals. Cattle are common intermediate hosts. The infection of meat with different species of Sarcocystis can be serious for public health. Aims The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of sarcocystosis in slaughtered buffaloes in Tanta city abattoirs, Nile Delta, Egypt. Methods Morphological and histological examinations and a molecular study were undertaken. A total of 517 locally bred buffaloes were slaughtered in Tanta city, Egypt. Each buffalo carcass was visually inspected for the presence of Sarcocystis macrocysts. Fifty tissue samples containing suspected cysts were examined by using different techniques including histology, transmission electron microscope (TEM), and PCR. Results By visual inspection, the overall prevalence of suspected sarcocystosis was 26.5%. The highest infection rate was detected visually from the esophagus followed by skeletal muscles and diaphragm whereas the least was recorded in the tongue. Histological and TEM examination showed that the cysts were packed with bradyzoites separated by multiple septa. 100% of the sarcocysts diagnosed visually in the esophagus and muscles were confirmed by PCR, compared to only 25% of those detected in the tongue. Conclusion These results highlight the high prevalence of sarcocystosis among buffaloes in Egypt, possibly due to widespread environmental contamination by Sarcocystis oocysts. The use of molecular methods should be encouraged to confirm the identity of the suspected cysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. El-Sayad
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - H. El-Taweel
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - A. Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Informatics & Medical Statistics, Medical Research Institute, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - N. Abd El-Latif
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
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Dalir Ghaffari A, Dalimi A, Pirestani M. Microscopic and Molecular Detection of Sarcocystis cruzi (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) in the Heart Muscle of Cattle. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2022; 17:535-542. [PMID: 36694560 PMCID: PMC9825700 DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v17i4.11281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Sarcocystis is a genus of coccidian protozoa that at least seven species of it can parasitize cattle. The global prevalence of Sarcocystis is close to 100% in adult cattle. The main aim of this study was to identify the infection rate of Sarcocystis spp. in heart of cattle in Tehran, Iran by microscopy and PCR-RFLP methods. Methods Totally, 100 bovine heart samples were collected from the main slaughterhouse of Shahriar, Meysam slaughterhouse, west of Tehran in 2016. At first, heart samples were completely examined for the presence of sarcocystic macrocysts. Then, for microscopic examination, 50 g of each heart was digested in sterile condition using pepsin acid digestion method. Then, the species of the parasite were detected by PCR-RFLP technique and sequencing. Results Overall, 97 of 100 of the heart muscle samples were infected with Sarcocystis. All the samples were detected as S. cruzi through similar patterns in PCR-RFLP. Conclusion S. cruzi is the most common species in the heart of cattle slaughtered in Shahriar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Dalir Ghaffari
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdolhossein Dalimi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Pirestani
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Strazdaitė-Žielienė Ž, Baranauskaitė A, Butkauskas D, Servienė E, Prakas P. Molecular Identification of Parasitic Protozoa Sarcocystis in Water Samples. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9080412. [PMID: 36006327 PMCID: PMC9412564 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9080412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Members of the genus Sarcocystis are protozoan parasites having two-host prey–predator cycle. These parasites are widespread in farm animals. Sarcocystis species are characterized morphologically in intermediate hosts, and these parasites are identified in definitive hosts by molecular methods. Thus far, only few studies have been conducted on Sarcocystis parasites in environmental samples. The aim of the present work was to evaluate several sample preparation and polymerase chain reaction methods for the identification of several Sarcocystis species in water samples. Overall, 114 samples collected from various water sources, ponds, canals, lakes, lagoons, and rivers in Lithuania were tested for the presence of Sarcocystis spp. Based on molecular methods, eight Sarcocystis species, S. bovifelis, S. cruzi, S. hirsuta, S. arieticanis, S. tenella, S. capracanis, S. bertrami, and S. miescheriana, were identified. The main intermediate hosts of detected Sarcocystis parasites are cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and pigs. Further, more sensitive molecular techniques are needed for the development of the diagnosis of Sarcocystis species in water bodies. Abstract Sarcocystis parasites are among the most common parasitic protozoa in farm animals. So far, the diversity of these parasites has been mainly studied in animal carcasses by morphological or molecular methods. Research on parasitic protozoa in environmental samples is scarce due to the lack of an appropriate methodology and low concentrations of parasites. For these reasons, there is a paucity of validated methods for Sarcocystis identification from environmental samples. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate various molecular methods for Sarcocystis parasite identification in water samples. In the present study, the sample volume, sporocysts isolation, and various conventional PCR were evaluated, and species-specific primers for the identification of different Sarcocystis species have been developed. Of the methods studied, based on data the most appropriate method for the identification of analyzed Sarcocystis spp. in water bodies is nested PCR, using species-specific primers targeting the cox1 gene. Sarcocystis DNA was detected in 111 out of 114 (97.4%) samples. This paper represents the first identification of S. bovifelis, S. cruzi, S. hirsuta, S. arieticanis, S. tenella, S. capracanis, S. bertrami, and S. miescheriana by PCR and sequencing in environmental water samples. Our pilot study is useful in developing techniques for the identification of Sarcocystis species from water samples.
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Muthusamy T, Thong HK, Sabir Husin Athar PP, Daud A. Unusual Site of Oral Sarcocystosis in the Tongue. Cureus 2022; 14:e25912. [PMID: 35844333 PMCID: PMC9279033 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.25912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcocystis is an intracellular protozoan parasite that manifests as a sarcocyst within the muscle fibers of an intermediate host. Sarcocystis commonly affects animals; in fact, cases of sarcocystosis involving human hosts are rare and often undiagnosed. The two types of Sarcocystis species that may infect and utilize humans as a definitive host are S. hominis and S. suihominis, both of which predominantly involve the gastrointestinal system. The low prevalence of intestinal sarcocystosis among humans is rarely accompanied by symptoms, except for individuals who ingest large amounts of the parasite. This study presents an unusual case of tongue sarcocystosis, a site that has not been previously reported, that was treated successfully with oral Albendazole for two weeks.
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A novel RFLP method for identification of morphologically similar avian Sarcocystis species. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2161-2166. [PMID: 35606606 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07553-0] [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: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Protozoans of genus Sarcocystis are widespread parasites infecting mammals, birds, and reptiles. Morphology of their sarcocysts is an important criterion for species identification. However, as more and more morphologically similar Sarcocystis species are being found and described, additional methods for their routine diagnostics are needed. We investigated restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) as potential alternative to sequencing data analysis for the identification of Sarcocystis species using birds as an intermediate host. The internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region sequences of seventeen Sarcocystis species (S. albifronsi, S. anasi, S. calchasi, S. columbae, S. cornixi, S. corvusi, S. cristata, S. halieti, S. falcatula, S. fulicae, S. kutkienae, S. lari, S. lindsayi, S. rileyi, S. turdusi, S.wenzeli, and S. wobeseri) of interest were analysed and five best-fitting endonucleases generating most informative restriction fragments were selected for routine testing. In general, RFLP analyses are always inconclusive as they target very short DNA sequences. However, it can be an irreplaceable technique when fast and cheap identification and discrimination of known species are required, which was our main goal and preliminary results indicate that RFLP could be successfully used when identifying closely related avian Sarcocystis species with just two nucleases.
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Shams M, Shamsi L, Asghari A, Motazedian MH, Mohammadi-Ghalehbin B, Omidian M, Nazari N, Sadrebazzaz A. Molecular Epidemiology, Species Distribution, and Zoonotic Importance of the Neglected Meat-Borne Pathogen Sarcocystis spp. in Cattle (Bos taurus): A Global Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:1055-1072. [PMID: 35593956 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00563-z] [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: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sarcocystis species are diverse apicomplexan parasites, though only two zoonotic species (S. hominis and S. heydorni) circulate between cattle and humans. Due to the importance of cattle in the human food chain and to prevent the consequences of parasitosis in humans, the first global systematic review and meta-analysis on molecular epidemiology, species distribution, and zoonotic significance of Sarcocystis infection in cattle was performed. METHODS For this aim, four international English databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science) were systematically searched till 20th September 2021, and random-effect models were drawn to calculate total estimates and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS Finally, 44 papers from 21 countries were qualified for this review which examined 8526 cattle regarding Sarcocystis infection, rendering a total prevalence of 62.7% (95% CI 53-71.5%). Globally, 12 Sarcocystis spp. have been reported from cattle, including S. cruzi, S. hominis, S. hirsuta, S. rommeli, S. heydorni, S. bovifelis, S. bovini, S. sinensis, S. gigantea, S. fusiformis, S. hjorti and S. tenella. Among them, S. cruzi (37 studies), S. hominis (22 studies) and S. hirsuta (19 studies) were the 3 most common species, with 76.4% (95% CI 64.8-85%), 30.2% (95% CI 19.3-44%) and 8.7% (95% CI 3.8-18.6%), respectively. However, molecular identification was not performed in 48.4% (95% CI 27.3-70.1%) of the positive samples. CONCLUSION Despite the zoonotic significance of Sarcocystis spp., particularly S. hominis, the epidemiology and distribution of Sarcocystis infection in cattle remains unclear and demands more extensive researches around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Shams
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Laya Shamsi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Ali Asghari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Motazedian
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Mostafa Omidian
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Naser Nazari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Alireza Sadrebazzaz
- Razi Vaccine & Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Mashhad, Iran
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24
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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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Castro-Forero SP, D. M. Bulla-Castañeda DMBC, López Buitrago HA, Díaz Anaya AM, Madeira de Carvalho LM, Pulido-Medellín MO. Sarcocystis spp., a parasite with zoonotic potential. BULGARIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.15547/bjvm.2019-0129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcocystosis infection is caused by protozoan cysts of genus Sarcocystis spp. where S. hominis, S. heydorni (bovines) and S. suihominis (porcine) are the most relevant for humans because of their zoonotic potential. S. cruzi, S. suihominis and S. ovicanis represent the most pathogenic species for cattle, pigs and sheep respectively. This infection has a worldwide importance due to its high transmission; besides to represent a zoonosis, it generates great economics losses. The main diagnostic methods for this disease are artificial digestion, PCR, indirect ELISA, and compression analysis. It’s important to highlight few studies on Sarcocystis spp., especially the ones involving the pursuit of effective treatments to control the infection for both humans and animals, however, some studies have reported that treatments such as cotrimoxazole and albendazole with or without prednisone are effective in counteracting symptoms in humans, considering the lack of reports about Sarcocystis spp. prevalence in Colombia.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. P. Castro-Forero
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Research Group in Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics (GIDIMEVETZ), Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Tunja, Colombia
| | - D. M. Bulla-Castañeda D. M. Bulla-Castañeda
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Research Group in Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics (GIDIMEVETZ), Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Tunja, Colombia
| | - H. A. López Buitrago
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Research Group in Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics (GIDIMEVETZ), Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Tunja, Colombia
| | - A. M. Díaz Anaya
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Research Group in Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics (GIDIMEVETZ), Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Tunja, Colombia
| | - L. M. Madeira de Carvalho
- CIISA – Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - M. O. Pulido-Medellín
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Research Group in Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics (GIDIMEVETZ), Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Tunja, Colombia
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Ahmed F, Cappai MG, Morrone S, Cavallo L, Berlinguer F, Dessì G, Tamponi C, Scala A, Varcasia A. Raw meat based diet (RMBD) for household pets as potential door opener to parasitic load of domestic and urban environment. Revival of understated zoonotic hazards? A review. One Health 2021; 13:100327. [PMID: 34584928 PMCID: PMC8455362 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
RMBD (acronym of Raw Meat Based Diet) and BARF diets (acronym for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food) account dietary regimens based on raw ingredients (including raw meat), popular in pet feeding. Animal tissues and organs as well as other uncooked ingredients are more and more popularly used by pet owners to feed household pets. However, the increased risk of exposure to microbiological and parasitic agents poses the question as to whether such diets may be recommendable to be handled and offered to domestic cats and dogs co-living in domestic and urban environment. Above all, the threat of human and animal infections by parasites from raw meat fed to pets is not sufficiently explored and tracked, meanwhile deserving particular surveillance, instead. At this regard, raw meat feeding to pets may represent a route of exposure to the increased risk of environmental load. In fact, some parasites typically found in rural environment can be given the chance to complete their life-cycle, for the closeness between definitive and intermediate hosts. This is of particular concern, as potentially infected pets serving as definitive hosts can become a continuous source of environmental diffusion of parasites, both at domestic and urban level. The handling of raw meat requires adequate knowledge and awareness of the hygienic principles to prevent the onset of disorders related to both manipulation by pet owners and uncooked food consumption by the pet. This review aimed to shed a comprehensive overview of the hygienic aspects related to raw pet feeding, as to handling of raw meat in domestic environment, with special emphasis on parasitic agents and related zoonotic hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahad Ahmed
- Animal Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Institute, University of Sassari, Italy
- Chair of Animal Nutrition, University of Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Sarah Morrone
- Chair of Animal Nutrition, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - Lia Cavallo
- Animal Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Institute, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - Fiammetta Berlinguer
- Chair of Animal Physiology of the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - Giorgia Dessì
- Animal Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Institute, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - Claudia Tamponi
- Animal Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Institute, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonio Scala
- Animal Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Institute, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonio Varcasia
- Animal Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Institute, University of Sassari, Italy
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Mathison BA, Sapp SGH. An annotated checklist of the eukaryotic parasites of humans, exclusive of fungi and algae. Zookeys 2021; 1069:1-313. [PMID: 34819766 PMCID: PMC8595220 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1069.67403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The classification of "parasites" in the medical field is a challenging notion, a group which historically has included all eukaryotes exclusive of fungi that invade and derive resources from the human host. Since antiquity, humans have been identifying and documenting parasitic infections, and this collective catalog of parasitic agents has expanded considerably with technology. As our understanding of species boundaries and the use of molecular tools has evolved, so has our concept of the taxonomy of human parasites. Consequently, new species have been recognized while others have been relegated to synonyms. On the other hand, the decline of expertise in classical parasitology and limited curricula have led to a loss of awareness of many rarely encountered species. Here, we provide a comprehensive checklist of all reported eukaryotic organisms (excluding fungi and allied taxa) parasitizing humans resulting in 274 genus-group taxa and 848 species-group taxa. For each species, or genus where indicated, a concise summary of geographic distribution, natural hosts, route of transmission and site within human host, and vectored pathogens are presented. Ubiquitous, human-adapted species as well as very rare, incidental zoonotic organisms are discussed in this annotated checklist. We also provide a list of 79 excluded genera and species that have been previously reported as human parasites but are not believed to be true human parasites or represent misidentifications or taxonomic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blaine A. Mathison
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology, ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT, USAInstitute for Clinical and Experimental PathologySalt Lake CityUnited States of America
| | - Sarah G. H. Sapp
- Parasitic Diseases Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USACenters for Disease Control and PreventionAtlantaUnited States of America
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Preliminary findings and molecular characterization of thin-walled Sarcocystis species in hearts of cattle and buffaloes in Thailand, Lao PDR, and Cambodia. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:2819-2825. [PMID: 34324098 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07241-5] [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: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Cattle and buffaloes, popular protein sources worldwide, are intermediate hosts for several Sarcocystis species. These coccidian protozoans cause sarcocystosis resulting in subclinical and chronic infections in striated muscles by forming macrocysts or microcysts. In Thailand, Lao People's Democratic Republic, and Cambodia, Sarcocystis species have been reported, but molecular identification has been lacking. This study investigates the prevalence of infection, histo-morphology, and molecular identification of Sarcocystis species in hearts of cattle and buffalo sold in local markets. A phylogenetic tree inferred from a portion of the 18S ribosomal (r) RNA gene was used to identify the genus and species of Sarcocystis. The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox-1 gene) was sequenced to confirm the species of host tissue. In Thailand, Sarcocystis was detected in 66.7% (14/21) of samples. In Lao People's Democratic Republic, 90% (9/10) of samples were infected and in Cambodia 100% (8/8). For the first time from these countries, we report Sarcocystis cruzi, Sarcocystis heydorni, and Sarcocystis levinei found in taurine cattle (Bos taurus) and water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Zoonotic protozoan transmission needs to be controlled by inspection activities by local health inspectors, and appropriate action is required at all points in the food chain by competent authorities to protect consumer health and prevent sarcocystosis in cattle and water buffaloes.
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Molecular and Microscopic Investigation of Sarcocystis Species Isolated from Sheep Muscles in Iran. J FOOD QUALITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1155/2021/5562517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcocystis species is a genus of cyst-forming parasites infecting both humans and animals globally. Some of these species cause clinical and subclinical diseases in the host and may lead to economic losses. This study was carried out to identify the distribution patterns of Sarcocystis spp. in slaughtered sheep based on the digestion method and PCR-RFLP in Isfahan, the center of Iran. In total, 150 fresh muscle samples (30 hearts, 60 esophagi, and 60 diaphragms) were investigated by naked eye observation and then scrutinized based on the digestion method. To this end, pepsin and HCl were used to observe the Sarcocystis parasite via a light microscope. The PCR was carried out to intensify a fragment of the 18S rRNA gene. Afterward, the PCR products were exposed to digestion by endonuclease TaqI, HindII, EcoRI, and AvaI. Consequently, the results of RFLP were confirmed by sequencing, and the phylogenetic placement of all species was analyzed. Through the examination by the naked eye, 5/150 (3.33%) macroscopic cysts were found in the samples. With the tissue digestion and microscopic examination, 116 (77.33%) samples were positive for Sarcocystis spp.; however, 125 (83.33%) samples were positive with PCR. Moreover, the results of sequence analysis on macrocysts and microcysts showed that 4% and 96% of the species belonged to S. gigantea and S. tenella, respectively. According to the results of the current study, sarcocystosis caused by S. tenella are highly prevalent among sheep in the Isfahan region. Due to the high prevalence of Sarcocystis infection in the world and Iran, the development of disease control and prevention policies in sheep would be essential, and changing attitudes in the way of keeping livestock from the traditional type to the industrial method is recommended in this regard.
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Zeng H, Van Damme I, Kabi TW, Šoba B, Gabriël S. Sarcocystis species in bovine carcasses from a Belgian abattoir: a cross-sectional study. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:271. [PMID: 34020700 PMCID: PMC8138977 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04788-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sarcocystis species are obligatorily heteroxenous parasites, of which some are zoonotic, representing a public health and economic impact. This study investigated the occurrence of Sarcocystis spp. in cattle sampled from a Belgian slaughterhouse. METHODS A total of 200 carcasses were included in the study, sampled during 10 sampling days. The sedimentation method was applied to isolate the sarcocysts from both heart and diaphragm muscles collected from each carcass. Multiplex PCR, PCR-RFLP as well as cox1 gene sequencing techniques were applied serially on collected sarcocysts for species identification. RESULTS Sarcocystis spp. were detected in 64% (128/200; 95% CI 57-71%) of the sampled carcasses. Female dairy cattle presented the highest Sarcocystis occurrence rate (91%) as well as the highest Sarcocystis species diversity compared to female beef and male beef. Sarcocystis spp. were detected more often in the heart muscles than in the diaphragm among female beef (p < 0.001) and dairy carcasses (p = 0.001), while in male carcasses no significant difference was observed (p = 0.763). The effect of age was not significant in male carcasses (p = 0.872), while the odds of finding sarcocysts significantly increased with age (p = 0.003) within both types of female carcasses. S. cruzi was the most prevalent species and was found in 56.5% (113/200) of the carcasses, followed by S. hominis (21.0%, 42/200), S. bovifelis (12.5%, 25/200), S. bovini (2.0%, 4/200), S. hirsuta (1.5%, 3/200) and S. heydorni (0.5%, 1/200). Six different species were detected in the diaphragm, while only two species were recovered from the heart. S. cruzi was the most prevalent species in heart, while in the diaphragm, this was S. hominis. CONCLUSIONS The detection of S. hominis in 21% of the sampled carcasses presents a potential food safety issue, and further research is warranted into controlling this infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Zeng
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Inge Van Damme
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Teresia Wanjiru Kabi
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Barbara Šoba
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sarah Gabriël
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
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Abstract
Myositis is inflammation especially of the voluntary muscles, characterized by localized or diffuse pain, tenderness on movement or palpation, swelling, and/or weakness. The two main categories of myositis include non-infectious and infectious. Infective myositis may be due to a wide variety of pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. A brief account of the various pathogens causing infective myositis is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayathri Narayanappa
- Department of NeuropathologyNational Institute of Mental Health and NeurosciencesBangaloreIndia
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Abuseir S. Meat-borne parasites in the Arab world: a review in a One Health perspective. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:4153-4166. [PMID: 33856533 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07149-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Meat-borne parasitic zoonoses are generally not well-monitored, and so understanding extent and overall prevalence is problematic. Without sufficient attention, their prevalence can become unexpectedly and unacceptably high. This review sheds light on meat-borne parasites in the Arab world, which includes all the Arab countries situated in the continents of Asia and Africa, with more than 400 million inhabitants distributed in 22 countries. Meat-borne parasites can be divided into two main categories-helminths and protozoa. The main helminths included in this review are Taenia saginata, Taenia solium, Taenia asiatica, Echinococcus spp., Fasciola spp., and Trichinella spiralis, while the meat-borne protozoan parasites are Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium spp., and Sarcocystis spp. In addition, Linguatula serrata, which belongs to the class Pentastomida, was included. Among those, the genus Taenia is the most frequently reported in the Arab world, particularly T. saginata. Many parasitic infections that are mainly transmitted through pork, although widespread in many parts of the world, are rare in the Arab countries, primarily due to religious proscriptions. The majority of the publications concerning meat-borne parasites were from Egypt, which contains the largest population in the Arab world and the highest population density, in addition to various economic, social, and environmental reasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameh Abuseir
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, An-Najah National University, P. O. Box 7, Nablus, West Bank, Palestine.
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Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis spp. co-infection in Tunisian Merguez, a traditional processed sausage beef meat. Food Control 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2020.107618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Portella LP, Fernandes FD, Minuzzi CE, de Pelegrini LFV, Sangioni LA, Cargnelutti JF, Vogel FSF. Molecular Detection and Characterization of Sarcocystis Infection in Naturally Infected Buffaloes, Brazil. J Food Prot 2021; 84:429-433. [PMID: 33108439 DOI: 10.4315/jfp-20-130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Sarcocystosis is a disease caused by various Sarcocystis species, a coccidian protozoan parasite that infects humans and animals and is commonly found in ruminants. Although Sarcocystis occurs all over the world, the species responsible for infecting buffaloes in Brazil have not been identified. In this study, we used molecular methods to estimate the prevalence of natural Sarcocystis infection in buffaloes. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted for the first time to identify the species of this protozoan that are responsible for infecting buffalos in southern Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul state. Heart samples from 80 buffaloes were subjected to microscopic examination followed by molecular analysis. Microcysts were present in 19 (23.75%) of 80 samples. The genomic DNA from the 19 cyst samples was extracted and amplified, and six sequences were obtained. The analysis was performed with the StandenPackage software, and the nucleotide sequences generated were analyzed by comparison with sequences in GenBank. All the sequenced samples were identified as Sarcocystis levinei. HIGHLIGHTS
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Pires Portella
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Santa Maria, CEP 97105900, Brazil (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9179-2159 [L.P.P.]; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2591-2327 [F.D.F.]; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8055-7495 [C.E.M.]; https://orcid.org/000-0002-2364-1084 [L.A.S.]; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3160-3643 [J.F.C.]; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1351-9912 [F.S.F.V.])
| | - Fagner D'Ambroso Fernandes
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Santa Maria, CEP 97105900, Brazil (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9179-2159 [L.P.P.]; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2591-2327 [F.D.F.]; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8055-7495 [C.E.M.]; https://orcid.org/000-0002-2364-1084 [L.A.S.]; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3160-3643 [J.F.C.]; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1351-9912 [F.S.F.V.])
| | - Camila EncarnaÇÃo Minuzzi
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Santa Maria, CEP 97105900, Brazil (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9179-2159 [L.P.P.]; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2591-2327 [F.D.F.]; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8055-7495 [C.E.M.]; https://orcid.org/000-0002-2364-1084 [L.A.S.]; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3160-3643 [J.F.C.]; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1351-9912 [F.S.F.V.])
| | - Luis Fernando Vilani de Pelegrini
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Santa Maria, CEP 97105900, Brazil (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9179-2159 [L.P.P.]; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2591-2327 [F.D.F.]; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8055-7495 [C.E.M.]; https://orcid.org/000-0002-2364-1084 [L.A.S.]; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3160-3643 [J.F.C.]; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1351-9912 [F.S.F.V.])
| | - Luis Antonio Sangioni
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Santa Maria, CEP 97105900, Brazil (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9179-2159 [L.P.P.]; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2591-2327 [F.D.F.]; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8055-7495 [C.E.M.]; https://orcid.org/000-0002-2364-1084 [L.A.S.]; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3160-3643 [J.F.C.]; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1351-9912 [F.S.F.V.])
| | - Juliana Felipetto Cargnelutti
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Santa Maria, CEP 97105900, Brazil (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9179-2159 [L.P.P.]; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2591-2327 [F.D.F.]; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8055-7495 [C.E.M.]; https://orcid.org/000-0002-2364-1084 [L.A.S.]; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3160-3643 [J.F.C.]; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1351-9912 [F.S.F.V.])
| | - Fernanda Silveira Flores Vogel
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Santa Maria, CEP 97105900, Brazil (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9179-2159 [L.P.P.]; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2591-2327 [F.D.F.]; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8055-7495 [C.E.M.]; https://orcid.org/000-0002-2364-1084 [L.A.S.]; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3160-3643 [J.F.C.]; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1351-9912 [F.S.F.V.])
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Abdullah SH. Investigation of Sarcocystis spp. in slaughtered cattle and sheep by peptic digestion and histological examination in Sulaimani Province, Iraq. Vet World 2021; 14:468-474. [PMID: 33776313 PMCID: PMC7994137 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.468-474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Sarcocystosis is a zoonotic infection caused by various species of Sarcocystis organisms with a worldwide geographic distribution. This study investigated the presence of Sarcocystis organisms in cattle and sheep slaughtered at an abattoir in Sulaimani Province in North Iraq. Materials and Methods: A total of 130 muscle samples were collected during May, June, and July of 2020, including 80 samples from sheep and 50 samples from cattle. Samples were examined visually for macrosarcocysts. The peptic digestion method was used to analyze fresh muscle tissue samples for detecting microsarcocysts followed by microscopic examination. Furthermore, muscle samples were fixed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histopathological examination. Results: In the gross examination, macroscopic cysts were not detected in both cattle and sheep; hence, all the prevalence data were obtained through microscopic observation of muscle samples. The peptic digestion method revealed the presence of banana-shaped bradyzoites in 90% and 92.5% of slaughtered cattle and sheep muscle samples, respectively. Organ-wise prevalence revealed that 95% and 92% of esophageal samples of sheep and cattle contained Sarcocystis spp., respectively Moreover, 90% and 88% of sheep and cattle diaphragms were respectively infected. Histopathological examination of tissue sections revealed two morphologically distinct types of microsarcocysts, including thin-walled and thick-walled, in both sheep and cattle. Conclusion: The suspected Sarcocystis spp. were Sarcocystis tenella and Sarcocystis arieticanis in sheep and Sarcocystis cruzi and Sarcocystis bovifelis or Sarcocystis hominis in cattle. Infective stages of different Sarcocystis spp. are widespread in the study area environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadan Hassan Abdullah
- Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sulaimani University, Sulaimaniyah, Iraq
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36
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Rosenthal BM. Zoonotic Sarcocystis. Res Vet Sci 2021; 136:151-157. [PMID: 33626441 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Apicomplexan species in the genus Sarcocystis form tissue cysts, in their intermediate hosts, similar to those established in chronic toxoplasmosis. More than 200 species are known, but just a few are known to threaten human health owing to infection in livestock species. Intestinal sarcocystosis occurs when people consume raw or undercooked beef contaminated with Sarcocystis hominis or S. heydorni or undercooked pork contaminated with S. suihominis. Those infections may cause mild enteritis, but most infections are thought to be asymptomatic. People also become dead-end (intermediate) hosts for non-human Sarcocystis spp. after accidentally ingesting sporocysts, leading to extraintestinal sarcocystosis. The clinical spectrum may range from asymptomatic muscle cysts to a severe, acute, eosinophilic myositis associated with systemic symptoms with peripheral eosinophilia. Most human cases have been described from Southeast Asia, but Sarcocystis parasites have a worldwide distribution, especially where livestock is raised, and human infections in other areas have been described but may be underrecognized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin M Rosenthal
- Animal Parasitic Disease Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture- Agricultural Research Service, 10300, Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705, United States of America.
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37
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Metwally DM, Al-Otaibi TT, Semlali A, Alajmi RA. Sarcocystis camelicanis increases interleukin (IL)-6 expression in one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) from Riyadh and Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:BSR20203140. [PMID: 33409539 PMCID: PMC7816069 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20203140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcocystis spp. are intracellular protozoan parasites with an intermediate-definitive host life cycle based on a prey-predator relationship. Sarcocystis infection is common among different vertebrates including humans. The pathogenicity of Sarcocystis spp. is of varied significance including a possible lethal effect for the host. The goal of the present study was to investigate the inflammatory activity of Sarcocystis spp. in different organs of naturally infected camels. The tongue, esophagus, heart, diaphragm, and skeletal muscles were collected from 50 camels, and the tissues assessed for the presence of Sarcocystis spp. by macroscopic examination, light microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Moreover, expression of the interleukin (IL)-6 was analyzed using reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Microscopic Sarcocystis spp. cysts were found in camels. TEM identified the cysts as Sarcocystis camelicanis (S. camelicanis). Sarcocystis infection increased inflammation by stimulation of IL-6 expression in different organs of the camels, particularly in those from the Al-Qassim region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina M. Metwally
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, KSA
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Tahani T. Al-Otaibi
- Department of Biology, Al-Nairiyah University College, Hafr Al-Batin University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdelhabib Semlali
- Groupe de Recherche en Écologie Buccale, Faculté de Médecine Dentaire, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Reem A. Alajmi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, KSA
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38
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Hooshyar H, Chehrazi F, Arbabi M. Molecular identification and frequency of cyst-forming coccidia (Sarcocystis, Toxoplasma gondii, and Neospora caninum) in native slaughtered cattle in Kashan, Central Iran. INTERNATIONAL ARCHIVES OF HEALTH SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/iahs.iahs_186_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Singh P, Somani K. Incidentally detected muscular sarcocystis with ewing's sarcoma: A case report of a rare combination. APOLLO MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/am.am_132_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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40
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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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Gareh A, Soliman M, Saleh AA, El-Gohary FA, El-Sherbiny HMM, Mohamed RH, Elmahallawy EK. Epidemiological and Histopathological Investigation of Sarcocystis spp. in Slaughtered Dromedary Camels ( Camelus dromedarius) in Egypt. Vet Sci 2020; 7:vetsci7040162. [PMID: 33120870 PMCID: PMC7711966 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci7040162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcocystosis is considered one of the major parasitic diseases with a worldwide distribution. It is caused by the obligatory intracellular protozoan parasites of the genus Sarcocystis. Besides its public health issues, sarcocystosis results in significant economic losses due to its impact on productivity and milk yield. A wide range of final and intermediate hosts have been identified, including mammals, birds, and reptiles; however, few studies have investigated the contribution of camels to maintaining the epidemiological foci of the disease in countries such as Egypt. The present study was conducted to grossly and histopathologically identify the prevalence rate of Sarcocystis spp. in camels (N = 100) from the Aswan Governorate, Egypt. Furthermore, the major risk factors related to the development of sarcocystosis in camels were investigated. Samples from the diaphragm, cardiac muscle, esophagus, and testes of the slaughtered camels were collected. Interestingly, Sarcocystis was detected in 75% of the examined camels. Following the studied variable factors, camels aged 5 years or more were found to be at higher risk, with an infection rate of 87.7% (57 of 65) than those younger than 5 years. The infection rate was 81.4% (57 of 70) in males and 60% (18 of 30) in females. The esophagus was the most affected organ (49%), followed by the diaphragm (26%) and cardiac muscle (17%), whereas none of the testes samples were affected. Taken together, the present study demonstrates the high prevalence of Sarcocystis in the examined camels and suggests the importance of these animals in preserving the epidemiological foci of sarcocystosis in Egypt. Future research should map the circulating strains in Egypt and aim to raise public health awareness about the importance of sarcocystosis and other related zoonotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Gareh
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan 24101, Egypt;
| | - Mahmoud Soliman
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt;
| | - Amira A. Saleh
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt;
| | - Fatma A. El-Gohary
- Department of Hygiene and Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt;
| | - Heba M. M. El-Sherbiny
- Educational Veterinary Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt;
| | - Ragab H. Mohamed
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan 24101, Egypt;
| | - Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of León (ULE), 24071 León, Spain
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag 82524, Egypt
- Correspondence:
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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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Stryiński R, Łopieńska-Biernat E, Carrera M. Proteomic Insights into the Biology of the Most Important Foodborne Parasites in Europe. Foods 2020; 9:E1403. [PMID: 33022912 PMCID: PMC7601233 DOI: 10.3390/foods9101403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Foodborne parasitoses compared with bacterial and viral-caused diseases seem to be neglected, and their unrecognition is a serious issue. Parasitic diseases transmitted by food are currently becoming more common. Constantly changing eating habits, new culinary trends, and easier access to food make foodborne parasites' transmission effortless, and the increase in the diagnosis of foodborne parasitic diseases in noted worldwide. This work presents the applications of numerous proteomic methods into the studies on foodborne parasites and their possible use in targeted diagnostics. Potential directions for the future are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Stryiński
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Elżbieta Łopieńska-Biernat
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Mónica Carrera
- Department of Food Technology, Marine Research Institute (IIM), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 36-208 Vigo, Spain
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Sarcocystosis in Ruminants of Iran, as Neglected Food-Borne Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Acta Parasitol 2020; 65:555-568. [PMID: 32297107 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-020-00210-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Sarcocystis is a zoonotic parasitic pathogen which endangers the safety of meat and meat products. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the prevalence rate and status of Sarcocystis spp. in ruminants as important food sources in Iran. METHODS Data were collected from papers indexed in five English language electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar) and four Persian electronic databases (IranMedex, SID, IranDoc, and Magiran) from January to April 2019. Papers were selected based on inclusion criteria. Data analysis was performed in StatsDirect statistical software, version 2.7.2. RESULTS The searching process resulted in the identification of 73 studies. Data analyses revealed that the total prevalence (95% confidence intervals) of Sarcocystis spp. in Iranian ruminants was 74.40% (64.01-83.56). In addition, a significant association was also observed between sarcocystosis infection in Iranian ruminants and year, host, location, and diagnostic technique (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS According to our data, the prevalence of Sarcocystis infection in ruminants is relatively high. High pathogenicity of some Sarcocystis spp. and the negative impact that the spread of some parasites among ruminants can have on human and animal health necessitate the direction of more attention toward monitoring, controlling, and preventing sarcocystosis.
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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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Sarcocystis infection in beef and industrial raw beef burgers from butcheries and retail stores: A molecular microscopic study. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04171. [PMID: 32548332 PMCID: PMC7284071 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcocystis is a genus of eucoccidian parasites, which globally infects humans and various animals. In addition to economic losses in livestock industries, the parasite is a zoonosis that infects humans through contaminated beef and pork with the parasite sarcocysts. Therefore, this study was carried out to assess Sarcocystis contamination in beef and industrial raw beef burger samples from butcheries and retail stores in Tehran, Iran. Overall, 180 samples of 90 beefs and 90 raw industrial beef burgers with at least 80% meat were randomly collected in Tehran, Iran. Samples were studied microscopically after peptic digestion. Furthermore, sample genomic DNAs were used in conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify approximately 900-bp fragments from 18S ribosomal DNA. Of 180 samples, 170 samples (94.4%) were microscopically and 161 samples (89.44%) were molecularly positive for Sarcocystis spp. Eucoccidial DNA fragments were detected in 161 samples (89.4%), including 78 (86.6%) beef and 83 (92.2%) beef burger samples. No significant differences were found between the beef and beef burger infestations by Sarcocystis bradyzoites using statistical analysis (P > 0.05). Statistically significant differences were seen between the sample type and the intensity of parasites in samples (P = 0.003). Furthermore, differences between the conventional PCR results (positive/negative) and the intensity of parasites in samples were statistically significant (P < 0.001). The considerable prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. in beef and beef burger samples reflects high transmission of the parasite in meat producing cattle, which is important due to food hygiene. Although the most prevalent bovine species, S. cruzi, is not a zoonosis, it is highly recommended to follow guidelines on the parasite transmission prevention due to the existence of S. hominis as a zoonotic bovine species.
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Tijjani M, Majid RA, Abdullahi SA, Unyah NZ. Detection of rodent-borne parasitic pathogens of wild rats in Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia: A potential threat to human health. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2020; 11:174-182. [PMID: 32099788 PMCID: PMC7031134 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.01.008] [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: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Rodent species, such as Rattus rattus diardii and Rattus norvegicus are invasive species of wild rats that serve as potential reservoirs of important human's pathogens. Parasitic zoonosis accounts for over 60% of all human infectious diseases worldwide. This situation arises from the recent changes in the global climate and ecosystem composition, which led to the spread of rodents and rodent-borne pathogens globally. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of rodent's parasites and their zoonotic potentials in some selected areas in UPM. Rodents were captured using live-traps and euthanised for helminths and protozoan recovery. Intestinal parasites were detected and identified from stool samples using formalin ethyl-acetate concentration technique (FECT), while tissue parasites were identified by histopathological examination of selected tissue sections of the liver, brain, lungs, and muscle. In this study, a total of 89 wild rats were captured. Twelve species of intestinal and tissue parasites were recorded, of which, Taenia taeniaeformis accounts for the highest infection recorded (28%) followed by Hymenolepis nana (19.5%) and Capillaria hepatica (19.1%), while Toxoplasma gondii was the least parasite (6.7%) identified. Furthermore, other parasites species observed include, Cryptosporidium spp. (21.3%), Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar and Moniliformis moniliformis (17.9%), Angiostrongylus cantonensis (16.8%), Hymenolepis diminuta (16.1%), Giardia spp. (14.6%), Trichuris spp. (12.3%), and Sarcocystis spp. (6.74). Based on the results obtained in the present study, 17.1% and 15.4% of the rodents captured were confirmed positive for at least one species of intestinal or tissue parasites, respectively. The presence of these zoonotic parasites in the wild rats suggests the potential risk of rodent-borne zoonotic disease transmission to humans. Hence, the need to improved rats control intervention and public health awareness among the populace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustapha Tijjani
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Yobe State University, P.M.B 1144, Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria
| | - Roslaini Abd Majid
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Sharif Alhassan Abdullahi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Bayero University, Kano State, Nigeria
| | - Ngah Zasmy Unyah
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
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Rudaitytė-Lukošienė E, Prakas P, Strazdaitė-Žielienė Ž, Servienė E, Januškevičius V, Butkauskas D. Molecular identification of two Sarcocystis species in fallow deer (Dama dama) from Lithuania. Parasitol Int 2019; 75:102044. [PMID: 31881364 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2019.102044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Due to the lack of molecular research conducted, little is known about Sarcocystis species diversity in the fallow deer (Dama dama). Until now, Sarcocystis jorrini and Sarcocystis morae were described to form sarcocysts in the muscles of this host. In the present study diaphragm muscle samples of free-ranging fallow deer from Lithuania were investigated for Sarcocystis species. Sarcocysts were detected in 39 out of 48 (81.3%) fallow deer examined. Under a light microscope two types of sarcocysts having hair-like and finger-like protrusions were observed. Based on DNA sequence analysis of cox1 and 18S rDNA, two species, S. morae and Sarcocystis entzerothi were identified. In prior studies, the latter species was only detected in Lithuanian roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and in sika deer (Cervus nippon). The haplotype network of S. morae sequences specified close relationships between haplotypes found in the same country. According to current knowledge, the fallow deer is characterised by low Sarcocystis species richness as compared with other cervid species from Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Petras Prakas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, LT-08412 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | - Elena Servienė
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, LT-08412 Vilnius, Lithuania
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Reiling SJ, Measures L, Feng S, Boone R, Merks H, Dixon BR. Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis sp. and Neospora caninum-like parasites in seals from northern and eastern Canada: potential risk to consumers. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2019; 17:e00067. [PMID: 32095635 PMCID: PMC7033983 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2019.e00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic parasites of seals that are harvested for food may pose a health risk when seal meat or organ tissues of infected animals are eaten raw or undercooked. In this study, 124 tissue samples from 81 seals, comprising four species, were collected from northern and eastern Canada. Tissues from 23 ringed seals (Pusa hispida), 8 hooded seals (Cystophora cristata), 21 harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus), and 29 grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) were tested for parasites of the Sarcocystidae family including Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis spp., and Neospora spp. using nested PCR followed by Sanger sequencing. Toxoplasma gondii DNA was present in 26% of ringed seals, 63% of hooded seals, 57% of harp seals, and 31% of grey seals. Sarcocystis sp. DNA was found in 9% of ringed seals, 13% of hooded seals, 14% of harp seals, and 4% of grey seals, while N. caninum-like DNA was present in 26% of ringed seals. While it is unclear how pinnipeds may become infected with these protozoans, horizontal transmission is most likely. However, one harp seal pup (4 days old) was PCR-positive for T. gondii, suggesting vertical transmission may also occur. Phylogenetic analysis of the 18S gene region indicates that Sarcocystis sp. in these seals belongs to a unique genotype. Furthermore, this study represents a new host report for T. gondii in harp seals, a new host and geographic report for N. caninum-like parasites in ringed seals, and four new hosts and geographic reports for Sarcocystis sp. These results demonstrate that parasites of the Sarcocystidae family are prevalent in northern and eastern Canadian seals. While the zoonotic potential of Sarcocystis sp. and the N. caninum-like parasite are unclear, consumption of raw or undercooked seal meat or organ tissues pose a risk of T. gondii infection to consumers. Tissues from ringed, hooded, harp and grey seals in Canada were PCR-positive for Toxoplasma, Sarcocystis and Neospora. Raw or undercooked seal meat may pose a risk for zoonotic transmission of T. gondii to consumers. The risk for zoonotic transmission of Sarcocystis sp. and the Neospora caninum-like parasite is unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J. Reiling
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Lena Measures
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Maurice Lamontagne Institute, Mont-Joli, QC, G5H 3Z4, Canada
| | - Sandy Feng
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Ryan Boone
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Harriet Merks
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Brent R. Dixon
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
- Corresponding author. Address: 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, A.L. 2204E, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada.
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Condori-Quispe R, Loza-Murguia MG, Gutiérrez-Ramírez L, Condori-Condori C. Prevalencia de Sarcocystis spp. en musculo cardiaco de llamas ( Lama glama) y alpacas ( Vicugna pacos). JOURNAL OF THE SELVA ANDINA ANIMAL SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.36610/j.jsaas.2019.060200039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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