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International Journal For Parasitology.... Dec 2023Fatal hepatic sarcocystosis was diagnosed as the cause of death in four pinnipeds: two captive Hawaiian monk seals (), a captive, and a free-ranging California sea lion...
Fatal hepatic sarcocystosis was diagnosed as the cause of death in four pinnipeds: two captive Hawaiian monk seals (), a captive, and a free-ranging California sea lion (). Based on necropsy, histopathology, electron microscopy and DNA sequencing, intralesional protozoal schizonts were determined to have caused the necrotizing hepatitis observed. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) revealed schizonts similar to in hepatocytes. PCR-DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis at the conserved and variable gene markers within the nuclear rRNA gene array from schizont-laden tissue established that the parasites were indistinguishable from at the locus. However, six distinct single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were resolved at suggesting that the parasites infecting pinnipeds were distinct from which commonly infects bears and dogs. We hypothesize that the parasite represents a novel variant that we refer to as . like that infects pinnipeds. The definitive host of is enigmatic and its life cycle incomplete. These findings document a critical need to identify the life cycle(s), definitive host(s), and all susceptible marine and terrestrial intermediate hosts of and the like variant infecting pinnipeds.
PubMed: 38059179
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.10.010 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2023Sarcocystosis is an intracellular parasitic disease caused by spp. that has a worldwide prevalence. Symptoms of the disease include diarrhea and muscle pain. The... (Review)
Review
Sarcocystosis is an intracellular parasitic disease caused by spp. that has a worldwide prevalence. Symptoms of the disease include diarrhea and muscle pain. The disease poses a threat to the health of animals. The aim of this review is to investigate the global prevalence of infection in sheep and goats during 2013-2022. We searched five databases: Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. A total of 36 articles containing 44 datasets met the criteria and were included in the study. The total infection rates of in sheep and goats were 66.3% (95% CI, 51.79-79.38%) and 52.1% (95% CI, 29.45-74.23%), respectively. It was found that species tend to have a host species preference. Coinfection of and often occurred in sheep, and goats were frequently infected with . Age and sex were identified as risk factors for infection in sheep and goats. The infection rates of female and male animals were significantly different, with females having a higher infection rate. Age-adjusted analysis showed that infection rates in animals older than one year were higher than in animals younger than one year. This study unveiled the global distribution of and sheds light on its transmission in sheep and goats.
PubMed: 37513749
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070902 -
Parasites & Vectors Feb 2024Nematodes of the Ascarididae, Ancylostomatidae and Onchocercidae families are parasites of human and veterinary importance causing infections with high prevalence...
BACKGROUND
Nematodes of the Ascarididae, Ancylostomatidae and Onchocercidae families are parasites of human and veterinary importance causing infections with high prevalence worldwide. Molecular tools have significantly improved the diagnosis of these helminthiases, but the selection of genetic markers for PCR or metabarcoding purposes is often challenging because of the resolution these may show.
METHODS
Nuclear 18S rRNA, internal transcribed spacers 1 (ITS-1) and 2 (ITS-2), mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase 1 (cox1) and mitochondrial rRNA genes 12S and 16S loci were studied for 30 species of the mentioned families. Accordingly, their phylogenetic interspecies resolution, pairwise nucleotide p-distances and sequence availability in GenBank were analyzed.
RESULTS
The 18S rRNA showed the least interspecies resolution since separate species of the Ascaris, Mansonella, Toxocara or Ancylostoma genus were intermixed in phylogenetic trees as opposed to the ITS-1, ITS-2, cox1, 12S and 16S loci. Moreover, pairwise nucleotide p-distances were significantly different in the 18S compared to the other loci, with an average of 99.1 ± 0.1%, 99.8 ± 0.1% and 98.8 ± 0.9% for the Ascarididae, Ancylostomatidae and Onchocercidae families, respectively. However, ITS-1 and ITS-2 average pairwise nucleotide p-distances in the three families ranged from 72.7% to 87.3%, and the cox1, 12S and 16S ranged from 86.4% to 90.4%. Additionally, 2491 cox1 sequences were retrieved from the 30 analyzed species in GenBank, whereas 212, 1082, 994, 428 and 143 sequences could be obtained from the 18S, ITS-1, ITS-2, 12S and 16S markers, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
The use of the cox1 gene is recommended because of the high interspecies resolution and the large number of sequences available in databases. Importantly, confirmation of the identity of an unknown specimen should always be complemented with the careful morphological examination of worms and the analysis of other markers used for specific parasitic groups.
Topics: Humans; Animals; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S; Sarcocystis; Sarcocystosis; Phylogeny; Nematoda; Nucleotides
PubMed: 38378676
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06113-4 -
The American Journal of Tropical... Aug 2023Although a stay in tropical regions is considered a risk factor for acquiring Sarcocystis infection, to date intestinal sarcocystosis has never been described in... (Review)
Review
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.
Topics: Humans; Male; Sarcocystis; Sarcocystosis; Belgium; Cross-Sectional Studies; Retrospective Studies; Tropical Medicine; Intestinal Diseases
PubMed: 37277109
DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0577 -
Parasitology Nov 2023Currently, 7 named species infect cattle: , , , , , and ; other, unnamed species also infect cattle. Of these parasites of cattle, a complete life cycle description is... (Review)
Review
Currently, 7 named species infect cattle: , , , , , and ; other, unnamed species also infect cattle. Of these parasites of cattle, a complete life cycle description is known only for , the most pathogenic species in cattle. The life cycle of was completed experimentally in 1982, before related parasite species were structurally characterized, and before the advent of molecular diagnostics; to our knowledge, no archived frozen tissues from the cattle employed in the original descriptions remain for DNA characterization. Here, we isolated DNA from a paraffin-embedded kidney of a calf experimentally infected with in 1980; we then sequenced portions of 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, COX1 and Acetyl CoA genes and verified that each shares 99–100% similarity to other available isolates attributed to from naturally infected cattle. We also reevaluated histological sections of tissues of calves experimentally infected with in the original description, exploiting improvements in photographic technology to render clearer morphological detail. Finally, we reviewed all available studies of the life cycle of , noting that was transmitted between bison () and cattle () and that the strain of parasite derived from bison appeared more pathogenic than the cattle strain. Based on these newfound molecular, morphological and physiological data, we thereby redescribed and deposited reference material in the Smithsonian Museum for posterity.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Sarcocystis; Sarcocystosis; Bison; Museums; Cattle Diseases; Life Cycle Stages; DNA, Ribosomal
PubMed: 37850439
DOI: 10.1017/S003118202300094X -
Scientific Reports Sep 2023Sarcocystis spp. infects water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) causing sarcocystosis. In the present study, Sarcocystis fusiformis was recognized in Egyptian water buffaloes...
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 (K), the maximum velocity (V), and the turnover number (K) 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.
Topics: Animals; Sarcocystis; Buffaloes; Cysteine Proteases; Egypt; Chromatography, Liquid; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Peptide Hydrolases; Endopeptidases
PubMed: 37752241
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43147-1 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2023is a genus of cyst-forming parasites that infest both humans and livestock. Some parasites cause clinical and subclinical diseases in their hosts, resulting in economic...
INTRODUCTION
is a genus of cyst-forming parasites that infest both humans and livestock. Some parasites cause clinical and subclinical diseases in their hosts, resulting in economic losses.
METHODS
Esophagus, diaphragm, and skeletal muscle from slaughtered sheep and goats were examined macroscopically, microscopically, and ultrastructurally and subjected to DNA analysis.
RESULTS
We isolated macrocysts of and of moulei from naturally infected sheep (Ovis aries) and goats (Capra hircus). The macrocyst wall thickness was 18.9 µm in sheep and 15.3 µm in goats, and consisted of an inner Periodic acid Schiff- (PAS) negative primary wall and an outer glycoconjugates containing i.e. PAS-positive secondary wall. The walls inner surface was compartmentalized and filled with bradyzoites. In the bradyzoites were approximently 12.3 x 2.6 µm in size, while in moulei they were 13.9 x 4.4 µm. Ultrastructurally, both species have nearly identical morphology: cauliflower-like protrusions with numerous microtubules and often dendritic-like filaments, branching from the primary wall. The 18S rRNA gene in was 85.9% identical to that in and 80.4% to the moulei gene. The 28S rRNA gene in was 94.6% identical to that in and 97.3% to the moulei.
CONCLUSION
This study is the first to (i) detail the ultrastructure of the macrocyst wall of , (ii) identify in Iraqi sheep, and (iii) compare the prevalence of macroscopic Sarcocystis at different time periods within the same region. A positive finding was the reduction of macroscopic sarcocystosis occurrences (0.01% in sheep and 0.02% in goats) compared to our previous data from 1992 (4.1%: sheep, 33.6%: goats).
PubMed: 37841456
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1225796 -
BMC Veterinary Research Dec 2023Sarcocystis species are obligatorily heteroxenous protozoan parasites with predator-prey life cycles. Global Knowledge about the epidemiology and the distribution...
BACKGROUND
Sarcocystis species are obligatorily heteroxenous protozoan parasites with predator-prey life cycles. Global Knowledge about the epidemiology and the distribution pattern of different Sarcocystis species in dog feces are very scarce. Therefore, the current investigation was conducted to declare the occurrence of Sarcocystis in the fecal specimens of the most common canids in Egypt, the domestic dogs, and to identify the species present using various parasitological and molecular approaches.
METHODS
A total of 100 dog fecal samples were collected and screened using fecal sugar flotation test for the presence of Sarcocystis oocysts/sporocysts. Additionally, thirty samples were used for genomic DNA extraction. The 18S rRNA gene fragment was the target of primers for a PCR, followed by purification and sequencing of the amplicons.
RESULTS
Currently, the results obtained reviewed that 4% of fecal samples were positive for Sarcocystis spp. using LM. Additionally, Sarcocystis spp. were verified in sixteen dogs (53.3%, 16/30) using PCR and subsequent sequencing protocols. Statistically, insignificant difference in prevalence of sarcocystosis relative to age and gender was noticed. Morphologically, the detected sporocysts measured 13.2-16.0 × 9.4-11 μm. Based on the 18S rRNA gene, sequencing analysis of amplicons from sporocysts DNA revealed 99.82% nucleotide homology with published S. tenella partial nucleotide sequences from sheep in Iraq and Iran.
CONCLUSIONS
This is the first molecular evidence in support of the final host role of domestic dogs in the life cycle of S. tenella in Egypt, which provides a precious diagnostic tool for further epidemiological studies and for the assessment of the effectiveness of control measures for this disease.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Sheep; Sarcocystis; Egypt; Prevalence; Sarcocystosis; DNA, Ribosomal; Oocysts; Feces; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S; Phylogeny; Dog Diseases; Sheep Diseases
PubMed: 38110960
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03841-8 -
Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia... 2023The aim of this study was to determine the presence of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis spp. and Neospora caninum, in tissues of wild...
The aim of this study was to determine the presence of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis spp. and Neospora caninum, in tissues of wild boars slaughtered in southern Brazil. A total of 156 samples were collected from different organs of 25 wild boars, and DNA from at least one of the protozoa investigated was detected in 79 samples. To differentiate between infectious agents, restriction fragment length polymorphism was performed using the restriction enzymes DdeI and HpaII. For N. caninum, conventional PCR was performed with specific primers. The DNA of at least one of the studied pathogens was detected in each animal: 26.58% for T. gondii, 68.36% for Sarcocystis spp. and 5.06% for N. caninum. Coinfection between T. gondii and Sarcocystis spp. occurred in 14 animals, between T. gondii and N. caninum in only one male animal, between Sarcocystis spp. and N. caninum in a female, while co-infection with the three agents was equally observed in only one male animal. Considering the high frequency of detection and its zoonotic risk, especially T. gondii, it appears that wild boars can be potential sources of transmission of infectious agents and the adoption of monitoring measures in these populations should be prioritized.
Topics: Sus scrofa; Toxoplasma; Neospora; Sarcocystis; Brazil; Toxoplasmosis, Animal; Coccidiosis; Sarcocystosis; Male; Female; Animals; Zoonoses; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S
PubMed: 37585953
DOI: 10.1590/S1984-29612023048 -
Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic... Jul 2023A deceased 9-wk-old male gray fox () with a history of decreased ambulation and diarrhea was submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. No...
A deceased 9-wk-old male gray fox () with a history of decreased ambulation and diarrhea was submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. No significant gross findings were evident on postmortem examination. Histologically, the cerebrum and brainstem had mild necrotizing meningoencephalitis with protozoal schizonts and merozoites. Additionally, glial cells contained intracytoplasmic and intranuclear viral inclusion bodies. Sections of the cerebrum were positive for canine distemper virus (CDV) and negative for on immunohistochemistry. Bayesian analysis revealed that this sp. clustered most closely with a clade of unnamed sp. found in viperid snakes, with a posterior probability of 99%. CDV likely played a significant role in the expression of clinical sarcocystosis in this gray fox.
Topics: Male; Animals; Dogs; Sarcocystis; Foxes; Distemper Virus, Canine; Bayes Theorem; Meningoencephalitis; Sarcocystosis; Distemper; Dog Diseases
PubMed: 37042064
DOI: 10.1177/10406387231169768