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Máca O, Gudiškis N, Butkauskas D, González-Solís D, Prakas P. Red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes) and raccoon dogs ( Nyctereutes procyonoides) as potential spreaders of Sarcocystis species. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1392618. [PMID: 38903682 PMCID: PMC11188440 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1392618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Sarcocystis includes a global group of apicomplexan parasites with two-host life cycle frequently circulating in wildlife and domestic hosts, including humans. Two of the most important wild terrestrial carnivores acting as definitive hosts are the red fox and raccoon dog, due to their wide distribution in Europe and usage of wild and farmed animals as prey. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Sarcocystis in hunted red foxes and raccoon dogs from nine regions of the Czech Republic and to identify isolated sporocysts by molecular techniques. Methods Approximately 5 g of the contents of large intestine from 200 animals (197 red foxes and three raccoon dogs) were examined by flotation centrifugation coprological method. Only samples of 50 red foxes and one raccoon dog positive to Sarcocystis spp. were used for the nested PCR (nPCR) method to amplify a fragment or partial sequence on the cox1 gene. Ten species-specific primer pairs for detection of Sarcocystis spp. using farm animals as intermediate hosts were utilized. Results In total, 38.1% of the red foxes and 66.7% of the raccoon dogs were positive to Sarcocystis by light microscopy. The molecular characterization resulted in the identification of five species in the red fox: S. arieticanis, S. capracanis, S. cruzi, S. miescheriana, and S. tenella, while the PCR was negative for the sole raccoon dog. The highest intraspecific variation was found for S. miescheriana, while S. tenella was the most prevalent. Co-infections occurred in the large intestine of the red fox. No zoonotic species were found in our samples. Conclusion This is the first study where the potential role of the red fox and raccoon dogs as spreaders of Sarcocystis to farm animals in the Czech Republic is shown. The use of species-specific primers provides a fast and easy method for screening multiple samples for a particular Sarcocystis species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondřej Máca
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, State Veterinary Institute Prague, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | | | | | - David González-Solís
- Department of Systematics and Aquatic Ecology, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Chetumal, Mexico
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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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Rubiola S, Moré G, Civera T, Hemphill A, Frey CF, Basso W, Colasanto I, Vercellino D, Fidelio M, Lovisone M, Chiesa F. Detection of Sarcocystis hominis, Sarcocystis bovifelis, Sarcocystis cruzi, Sarcocystis hirsuta and Sarcocystis sigmoideus sp. nov. in carcasses affected by bovine eosinophilic myositis. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2024; 34:e00220. [PMID: 38313347 PMCID: PMC10834464 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2024.e00220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Bovine eosinophilic myositis is an inflammatory myopathy characterized by multiple focal or diffuse grey to green patches leading to condemnation of affected carcasses. Although its etiology is still uncertain, there is evidence that Sarcocystis species may play a role in the development of eosinophilic myositis. The goal of the present study was to identify Sarcocystis spp. in intralesional and extralesional tissues of condemned cattle carcasses, in order to evaluate the possible role of different bovine Sarcocystis spp. in the etiology of bovine eosinophilic myositis. Muscle samples (n = 100) of 26 affected carcasses were collected in Northern Italy. One to five samples with lesions and two aliquots of tissue without lesions were collected from each carcass; lesions were grossly categorized in green focal lesions and green diffuse patches. Genomic DNA was extracted and analyzed by multiplex-PCR targeting different Sarcocystis spp. Unidentified species were characterized morphologically (light microscopy, histology), ultrastructurally (scanning and transmission electron microscopy) and on the molecular level (complete 18S rRNA gene and partial cox1 gene sequencing). A bovine eosinophilic myositis prevalence of 0.017% was visually assessed by routine carcass inspection between 2014 and 2019 in Italy (184/1,108,150 slaughtered cattle). Out of 26 carcasses, 25 revealed the presence of at least one Sarcocystis species (96.2%). The presence of Sarcocystis spp. DNA was significantly more frequent in intralesional than in extralesional samples. Considering the different species, Sarcocystis bovifelis and Sarcocystis hominis were significantly more frequent in intralesional (41.7% and 50%, respectively) than in extralesional samples (1.9% and 15.4%, respectively), while there was no significant difference between the presence of Sarcocystis cruzi and Sarcocystis hirsuta in intralesional (27.1% and 2.1%, respectively) and extralesional (30.8% and 1.9%, respectively) samples. The presence of an unnamed Sarcocystis sp. showing thick-walled (3.7-5.4 μm) cysts with densely packed, flattened, undulating and narrow protrusions, which showed an S-shape in side view, was recorded in the diaphragm of two carcasses. Genomic DNA from individual sarcocysts isolated from the diaphragm was successfully amplified and further sequenced. Sequence comparison revealed <94.6% and 83.4% identity at 18S rRNA and cox1 genes, respectively, with other named Sarcocystis spp., while the phylogenetic analysis clearly separated the unnamed Sarcocystis sp. from the other Sarcocystis spp. using cattle as intermediate hosts. The present study contributes to the understanding of the importance of different Sarcocystis spp. in the pathogenesis of bovine eosinophilic myositis. The results emphasize the association of Sarcocystis hominis and Sarcocystis bovifelis with bovine eosinophilic myositis and highlight the presence of a new Sarcocystis sp. using cattle as intermediate hosts. The name Sarcocystis sigmoideus sp. nov. is proposed for the newly described Sarcocystis species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selene Rubiola
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Gastón Moré
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tiziana Civera
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Caroline F Frey
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Walter Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Irene Colasanto
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Davide Vercellino
- ASL TO3 di Collegno e Pinerolo, SC Igiene degli Allevamenti e delle Produzioni Zootecniche, 10093 Collegno, TO, Italy
| | - Marta Fidelio
- ASL di Asti, Servizio Veterinario Area B, 14100 Asti, AT, Italy
| | - Mauro Lovisone
- ASL di Asti, Servizio Veterinario Area B, 14100 Asti, AT, Italy
| | - Francesco Chiesa
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy
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4
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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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Rubiola S, Pasquariello L, Panebianco F, Capucchio MT, Colombino E, Bordese F, Giobbio E, Fioriello L, Braghin S, Korpysa-Dzirba W, Różycki M, Chiesa F. Macroscopic sarcocystosis in a pig carcass from an Italian abattoir. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:2271-2277. [PMID: 37166530 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10137-7] [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: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Different food-safety institutions, including the European Food Safety Authority, encourage monitoring and characterising Sarcocystis spp. in animals and foodstuffs; among meat-producing animals, domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) can host two different Sarcocystis spp., that is Sarcocystis miescheriana and the zoonotic Sarcocystis suihominis. Herein, we report for the first time the presence of macrocysts of Sarcocystis miescheriana in a domestic pig resulting in carcass condemnation. In North-West Italy, in June 2022 the carcass of a clinically healthy sow was condemned due to the detection of multifocal macroscopic whitish fusiform lesions. Affected muscle samples were submitted to histological and molecular analyses targeting the mtDNA cox1 and 18S rRNA genes. At gross examination and histology, well demarcated, oval or elongated macrocysts up to 8 mm in length characterized by a calcified central core surrounded by fibrosis were detected. The molecular amplification and sequencing of the cox1 mtDNA and 18S rRNA genes revealed the presence of Sarcocystis miescheriana DNA in all sampled macrocysts. Our study provides the first molecularly confirmed case of Sarcocystis miescheriana infection in a domestic pig in Italy. The present report highlights the need to increase data related to the occurrence and the prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. in meat-producing animals, and in wild and domestic pigs in particular, taking into account the zoonotic potential of Sarcocystis suihominis and the possible financial losses related to carcass discard due to macroscopic Sarcocystis spp. cysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selene Rubiola
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Torino, 10095, Italy.
| | - Linda Pasquariello
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Torino, 10095, Italy
| | - Felice Panebianco
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Torino, 10095, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Capucchio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Torino, 10095, Italy
| | - Elena Colombino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Torino, 10095, Italy
| | - Federica Bordese
- ASL Cuneo 1, Dipartimento di Prevenzione, S.C. Igiene degli Alimenti di Origine Animale, Cuneo, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Weronika Korpysa-Dzirba
- Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute in Pulawy, Pulawy, 24-100, Poland
| | - Mirosław Różycki
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Poznań University of Life Science, Poznan, 60-637, Poland
| | - Francesco Chiesa
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Torino, 10095, Italy
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6
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Pacifico L, Rubiola S, Buono F, Sgadari M, D'Alessio N, Scarcelli S, Sgroi G, Buglione M, Chiesa F, Restucci B, Fioretti A, Prakas P, Veneziano V. Molecular differentiation of Sarcocystis miescheriana and Sarcocystis suihominis using a new multiplex PCR targeting the mtDNA cox1 gene in wild boars in southern Italy. Res Vet Sci 2023; 164:105039. [PMID: 37812987 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.105039] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
The increase of wild boar populations density and their meat consumption across Europe could expose humans to a plethora of foodborne diseases as sarcocystosis, caused by the zoonotic protozoan Sarcocystis suihominis. Humans become infected by eating raw or undercooked pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) containing S. suihominis sarcocysts. Despite this, to date very few data are available on the risk of infection by this parasite to wild boar (Sus scrofa) meat consumers. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the occurrence of Sarcocystis spp. in wild boars from southern Italy, applying both histology and a new multiplex PCR assay targeting the cox1 gene. Between 2019 and 2020, 997 muscle tissues (i.e., n = 269 oesophagus, n = 277 diaphragms, n = 298 hearts, n = 153 tongues) from 311 wild boars were collected and screened by a combined histological and molecular approach. Overall, 251 (80.7%) animals tested were positive for Sarcocystis spp., and S. miescheriana whose definitive hosts are canids, was the only molecularly identified species. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in the prevalence of Sarcocystis infection was found according to the wild boar age and muscle tissue. Findings outlined the low zoonotic potential of infection to humans via wild boar meat consumption in Italy and the importance of the application of new molecular methods in distinguishing different Sarcocystis species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pacifico
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, Naples, Italy; Department of Prevention, Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety Area, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Caserta, Via Feudo di San Martino 10, Caserta, Italy
| | - Selene Rubiola
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, Turin 10095, Italy
| | - Francesco Buono
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, Naples, Italy.
| | - Mariafrancesca Sgadari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola D'Alessio
- Department of Animal Health, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of southern Italy, Portici, via Salute 2, Italy; Osservatorio Faunistico Venatorio - Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano Scarcelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sgroi
- Department of Animal Health, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of southern Italy, Portici, via Salute 2, Italy
| | - Maria Buglione
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia, 26, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Chiesa
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, Turin 10095, Italy
| | - Brunella Restucci
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fioretti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, Naples, Italy; Osservatorio Faunistico Venatorio - Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Petras Prakas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos Str. 2, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vincenzo Veneziano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, Naples, Italy; Osservatorio Faunistico Venatorio - Campania Region, Naples, Italy
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Janudin AS, Kurup CP, Chee LY, Mohd-Naim NF, Ahmed MU. Amplification-Based CRISPR/Cas12a Biosensor Targeting the COX1 Gene for Specific Detection of Porcine DNA. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:38212-38219. [PMID: 37867655 PMCID: PMC10586177 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c04473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
We propose a CRISPR/Cas12a-mediated recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) detection method that combines RPA with Cas12a cleavage for the detection of halal food adulteration, which is of global concern, particularly for Muslim consumers. We optimized the reagent concentrations for the Cas12a cleavage steps and designed and screened gRNA targeting a conserved area of the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COX1) gene. This procedure successfully detected the presence of porcine components as low as 5 pg/μL in the linear range of 5-1000 pg/μL. The assay's detection limit was 500 times lower than CRISPR-based approaches that exclude a preamplification step, allowing the detection of trace porcine DNA in food samples. The assay additionally showed no cross-reaction with nontarget species. Therefore, this detection platform shows tremendous potential as a method for the quick, sensitive, and specific detection of porcine-derived components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arifah
A. S. Janudin
- Biosensors
and Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Integrated Science Building, Faculty
of Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, Gadong BE1410, Brunei
Darussalam
| | - Chitra P. Kurup
- Biosensors
and Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Integrated Science Building, Faculty
of Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, Gadong BE1410, Brunei
Darussalam
| | - Lim Ya Chee
- PAPRSB
Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti
Brunei Darussalam, Jalan
Tungku Link, Gadong BE1410, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Noor F. Mohd-Naim
- PAPRSB
Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti
Brunei Darussalam, Jalan
Tungku Link, Gadong BE1410, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Minhaz U. Ahmed
- Biosensors
and Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Integrated Science Building, Faculty
of Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, Gadong BE1410, Brunei
Darussalam
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Hussein SN, Ibrahim AA, Shukur MS. Histopathology and molecular identification of Sarcocystis species forming macrocysts in slaughtered sheep and goats of Duhok, Iraq. VETERINARY RESEARCH FORUM : AN INTERNATIONAL QUARTERLY JOURNAL 2023; 14:415-422. [PMID: 37667792 PMCID: PMC10475170 DOI: 10.30466/vrf.2023.559514.3575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to identify Sarcocystis species isolated from macroscopic sarcocysts of naturally infected sheep and goats using histopathological and molecular studies. A total of 260 macrosarcocyst samples were randomly collected from 1,337 infected sheep and goats slaughtered at different abattoirs in Duhok province, Iraq, from May 2021 to June 2022. The macroscopic cysts, which were found in the esophagus, diaphragm, and abdominal muscles, were classified into fat and thin cysts. Histopathological examination of the observed fat and thin cysts showed a thick eosinophilic wall, several internal septa-forming compartments enclosing numerous bradyzoites, and mild mononuclear inflammatory cells infiltrating around the cysts. The 18 Subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) and 28 Subunit ribosomal RNA (28S rRNA) genes of Sarcocystis spp. were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from 200 macrosarcocysts samples. Molecularly, the DNA sequencing results obtained from fat macrocysts of sheep and goats were found to be identical to Sarcocystis gigantea, and from thin cysts of sheep proved to be similar to Sarcocystis medusiformis, while from thin macrocysts of goats were found to be identical to Sarcocystis moulei. Alignment and phylogenetic analysis observed a very close relationship between identified species of Sarcocystis and other Sarcocystis DNA sequences of sheep and goats across the world. To our knowledge, this is the first histopathological and molecular study for identification of Sarcocystis spp. isolated from different macroscopic forms of sarcocysts of sheep and goats in Iraq.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivan Nawzad Hussein
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Duhok University, Duhok, Iraq.
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A Case of Bovine Eosinophilic Myositis (BEM) Associated with Co-Infection by Sarcocystis hominis and Toxoplasma gondii. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13020311. [PMID: 36670850 PMCID: PMC9854639 DOI: 10.3390/ani13020311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Bovine eosinophilic myositis (BEM) is a specific inflammatory myopathy, often associated with Sarcocystis spp., with multifocal gray-green lesions leading to carcass condemnation with considerable economic losses. Here is described a peculiar case of BEM that occurred in an adult (16 month) cattle, born in France, bred, and slaughtered in Italy at the end of 2021. On inspection, muscles showed the typical multifocal gray-green lesions that were sampled for, cytological, histological, and molecular investigations, while meat juice was subjected to IFAT for Toxoplasma IgG. Genomic DNA was extracted from lesions, portions of healthy muscle and from meat juice pellet and analyzed by PCR targeting 18S rDNA, COI mtDNA and B1 genes, and sequenced. The cytology showed inflammatory cells mostly referable to eosinophils; at histology, protozoan cysts and severe granulomatous myositis were observed. A BEM lesion and meat juice pellet subjected to PCR showed, concurrently, sequences referable both to S. hominis and T. gondii. Meat juice IFAT resulted negative for T. gondii IgG. Our findings highlight the first detection of T. gondii DNA in association with S. hominis in a BEM case, suggesting a multiple parasite infection associated with this pathology, although the actual role of T. gondii infection in the pathophysiology of the diseases should be clarified.
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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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Zhu Z, Ying Z, Feng Z, Liu Q, Liu J. The Occurrence and Meta-Analysis of Investigations on Sarcocystis Infection among Ruminants (Ruminantia) in Mainland China. Animals (Basel) 2022; 13:ani13010149. [PMID: 36611757 PMCID: PMC9817671 DOI: 10.3390/ani13010149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcocystis is a zoonotic pathogen that threatens public health and the quality of food safety. To determine the Sarcocystis spp. prevalence in ruminants (Ruminantia) in China, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. Data were collected from English databases (PubMed and Web of Science) and Chinese databases (Chinese Web of knowledge (CNKI), Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals (VIP) and Wan Fang databases). A total of 20,301 ruminants from 54 publications were evaluated. The pooled prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. among ruminants in mainland China was 65% (95% CI: 57-72%). Our results indicate that sarcocystosis is prevalent in ruminants, which show significant geographical differences. Therefore, it there is a need for continuous monitoring of infections of Sarcocystis spp. in ruminants to reduce the threat to human health and economic losses to the animal industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zifu Zhu
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhu Ying
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zixuan Feng
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qun Liu
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jing Liu
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Correspondence:
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Baranauskaitė A, Strazdaitė-Žielienė Ž, Servienė E, Butkauskas D, Prakas P. Molecular Identification of Protozoan Sarcocystis in Different Types of Water Bodies in Lithuania. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 13:life13010051. [PMID: 36676000 PMCID: PMC9864107 DOI: 10.3390/life13010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Representatives of the genus Sarcocystis are unicellular parasites having a two-host life cycle and infecting mammals, birds, and reptiles. Until now, Sarcocystis spp. have been mainly investigated in definitive and intermediate hosts. Only a few studies have been conducted on the detection of Sarcocystis parasites in water samples. The aim of this research was to examine whether the prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. parasitizing farm animals varies in different types of water bodies. Water samples (n = 150) were collected from the entire territory of Lithuania, dividing water bodies into five groups (lakes, rivers, ponds/canals, swamps, and the inshore zone of the territorial Baltic Sea area). One-liter samples were filtered and subsequently analyzed using nested PCR. At least one of the analyzed Sarcocystis spp. (S. arieticanis, S. bertrami, S. bovifelis, S. capracanis, S. cruzi, S. hirsuta, S. miescheriana, and S. tenella) was determined in all examined samples from water bodies. No significant difference in Sarcocystis spp. prevalence between different types of water sources was detected. Our research proved that selecting appropriate primers is important for the accurate identification of parasites in samples collected from water bodies.
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Bovine sarcocystosis: Sarcocystis species, diagnosis, prevalence, economic and public health considerations, and association of Sarcocystis species with eosinophilic myositis in cattle. Int J Parasitol 2022:S0020-7519(22)00163-1. [PMID: 36462560 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2022.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Infections by Sarcocystis in cattle are ubiquitous worldwide. There is considerable debate concerning the identity of Sarcocystis spp. in cattle. Proper diagnosis of Sarcocystis spp. is important to assess their economic and public health importance. Currently there are seven named species: Sarcocystis hirsuta, Sarcocystis cruzi, Sarcocystis hominis, Sarcocystis bovifelis, arcocystis heydorni, Sarcocystis bovini and Sarcocystis rommeli. Additionally, there are unnamed Sarcocystis spp. Two species, S. hominis and S. heydorni, are zoonotic. One out of seven species (S. hirsuta, contracted from cats) forms macroscopic cysts which can be visible during carcass inspection. Current molecular characterization is based on DNA extracted from sarcocysts from naturally infected cattle because DNA was not characterized from tissues of experimentally infected cattle or feces of experimentally infected definitive hosts. Sarcocystis cruzi (transmitted via canids) is recognized as the most pathogenic species and it causes abortion, low milk yield, poor body growth, and outbreaks of clinical sarcocystosis and death. Additionally, Sarcocystis infections have been linked to an inflammatory condition of striated muscles termed bovine eosinophilic myositis (BEM). Cattle affected by BEM appear clinically normal. Diagnosis of BEM at slaughter occurs when inspecting the carcass surface, or once the carcass has been divided into prime cuts or quarters. Sex and breed have no apparent influence on prevalence of BEM. The condition evidently occurs with equal frequency in steers, cows, and heifers. Virtually all striated muscles can be affected including skeletal muscles, the muscles of the eye, larynx, and the heart. In the USA, regulations require condemnation of BEM-affected parts, or (in severe cases) the entire carcass. These aesthetic considerations result in economic losses. Cattle experimentally infected with Sarcocystis did not have BEM at slaughter. Here, we review the status of Sarcocystis spp. and BEM in cattle including prevalence, lesions, epidemiology, and association of BEM with different species of Sarcocystis.
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Molecular Identification of Sarcocystis Species in Sheep from Lithuania. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12162048. [PMID: 36009638 PMCID: PMC9404443 DOI: 10.3390/ani12162048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Data on the distribution of different Sarcocystis species in various muscles of sheep are scarce. In the present study, 190 diaphragm, oesophagus, and heart muscle samples of 69 sheep raised in Lithuania were examined for the presence of Sarcocystis spp. Under a light microscope, two morphological types of microcysts corresponding to S. arieticanis and S. tenella were detected. Eight and 12 sarcocysts of S. arieticanis and S. tenella, respectively, were isolated and characterised by the sequencing of a portion of cox1. The sequence comparisons revealed the highest similarity between European and Asian isolates of S. arieticanis and S. tenella obtained from domestic sheep and other wild Caprinae hosts. Based on peptic digestion, nested PCR targeting cox1, and sequencing, a 100% infection prevalence of S. arieticanis and S. tenella was observed in the 69 studied animals. The occurrence of S. tenella was significantly higher in the diaphragm than in the oesophagus (χ2 = 13.14, p < 0.001), whereas differences in the prevalence of S. arieticanis in the studied muscle types were insignificant (χ2 = 1.28, p > 0.05). Further molecularly based epidemiological studies are needed to compare the prevalence of Sarcocystis species in various muscles of sheep raised in different geographic regions.
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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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Risk Factors for Bovine Cysticercosis in North-West Italy: A Multi-Year Case-Control Study. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113049. [PMID: 34827781 PMCID: PMC8614484 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Bovine cysticercosis is a parasitic disease caused by Cysticercus bovis, the larval stage of the human tapeworm Taenia saginata, which is the causative agent of human taeniasis, a foodborne parasitic disease caused by the consumption of infected raw or undercooked beef meat. Although commonly asymptomatic, bovine cysticercosis has an important impact worldwide, causing huge economic losses to the meat industry due to carcass condemnation or downgrading. Given the lack of epidemiological case-control surveys carried out in Italy, the present survey’s aim was to assess the presence of farm-level risk factors for bovine cysticercosis in an endemic area in North-West Italy. The results of our survey show a significant association between the detection of bovine cysticercosis cases at slaughter and farm proximity to picnic spots, closeness of wastewater treatment plant effluents, presence of employees along with the family members and loose-housing systems. These findings highlight the need for enforced food chain information and surveillance strategies and the crucial role that hygiene-related campaigns would play to educate both the general public and farm operators on the transmission pathways of T. saginata. Abstract Taenia saginata is the causative agent of bovine cysticercosis, a zoonotic parasitic disease with a worldwide distribution. Bovine cysticercosis is considered to be an important food safety issue responsible for human taeniasis and a major economic concern since infected carcasses undergo condemnation, freezing and downgrading. The aim of the current investigation was to assess the presence of farm-level risk factors for bovine cysticercosis in an endemic area in North-West Italy. A questionnaire was designed to collect information relating to several farm structural features, as well as management practices, environmental characteristics and attitudes of farmers. The questionnaire was administered in two separate time intervals by direct interview to previously selected case and control farms. Overall, 32 case farms and 131 control farms were included between 2005 and 2011 and 50 case farms and 192 control farms were included between 2014 and 2020. The present survey showed a significant association between the detection of bovine cysticercosis cases at slaughter and farm proximity to picnic spots, closeness of wastewater treatment plant effluents, loose-housing systems and presence of employees along with the family members, highlighting the need for targeted awareness raising policies.
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