-
Parasitology Research Jun 2024The genus Sarcocystis includes protozoan parasites with an indirect life cycle. Sarcocystis spp. can infect various animal species and humans, causing sarcocystosis, a...
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.
Topics: Animals; Sarcocystis; Sarcocystosis; Greece; Sus scrofa; Swine Diseases; Swine; DNA, Protozoan; Microscopy; Prevalence; Sequence Analysis, DNA; DNA, Mitochondrial; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction; Electron Transport Complex IV; Diaphragm
PubMed: 38850432
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08254-6 -
Veterinary Parasitology, Regional... May 2024Sarcocystis spp. are protozoan parasites that form cysts in the organs and musculature of various animal species. The species Sarcocystis miescheriana and Sarcocystis...
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.
Topics: Animals; Sarcocystis; Sarcocystosis; Brazil; Sus scrofa; Swine Diseases; Swine; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; Polymerase Chain Reaction
PubMed: 38644041
DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101020 -
Parasitology Research Feb 2024Sarcocystis are Apicomplexan protozoa with a dixenous life cycle that includes a predator and a prey as definitive and intermediate hosts, respectively. Domestic and...
Sarcocystis are Apicomplexan protozoa with a dixenous life cycle that includes a predator and a prey as definitive and intermediate hosts, respectively. Domestic and wild pigs are intermediate hosts of S. suihominis, with formation of sarcocysts in their muscles, while humans and non-human primates act as final hosts. After ingesting raw or undercooked sarcocyst-infested pork, signs of gastroenteritis including inappetence, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may develop in humans. Moreover, excretion of infective forms with human feces leads to dissemination of the parasite in the environment. In this study, macroscopic sarcocysts of white color, oval shape, and a diameter of approximately 3-8 mm were found in the skeletal muscle of a slaughtered domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) destined for human consumption in an abattoir of Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. Sarcocyst DNA was used as template to PCR amplify the near-complete length of the 18S rRNA gene and a fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox-1) gene. Amplicons were sequenced and used to construct phylogenetic trees with selected available Sarcocystis spp. sequences. In both cases, the placement of the analyzed sequences with S. suihominis was strongly supported, confirming the species identity of this macroscopic sarcocyst-forming parasite. This constitutes the first molecular identification of S. suihominis in Nigeria and the African continent. Proximity between pigs and humans, and poor sanitary conditions frequently encountered in pig farms of Nigeria might favor the dissemination of this zoonotic parasite, posing a threat to public health.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Swine; Sarcocystis; Sarcocystosis; Phylogeny; Nigeria; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S; Muscle, Skeletal; Sus scrofa
PubMed: 38393400
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08160-x -
Parasitology International Jun 2024Sarcocystis spp. are intracellular protozoan parasites with an obligatory heteroxenous life cycle. The objective of this study was to identify Sarcocystis spp. in pig...
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.
Topics: Animals; Swine; Sarcocystis; Sarcocystosis; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S; Argentina; Phylogeny; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Cysts; Sus scrofa; Swine Diseases
PubMed: 38199523
DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2024.102859 -
Research in Veterinary Science Nov 2023The increase of wild boar populations density and their meat consumption across Europe could expose humans to a plethora of foodborne diseases as sarcocystosis, caused...
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.
Topics: Animals; DNA, Mitochondrial; Italy; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction; Phylogeny; Sarcocystis; Sarcocystosis; Sus scrofa; Swine; Swine Diseases; Electron Transport Complex IV
PubMed: 37812987
DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.105039 -
Veterinary Research Communications Dec 2023Different food-safety institutions, including the European Food Safety Authority, encourage monitoring and characterising Sarcocystis spp. in animals and foodstuffs;...
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.
Topics: Animals; Female; Swine; Sarcocystosis; Abattoirs; Sarcocystis; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S; Italy; Phylogeny; DNA, Mitochondrial; Sus scrofa
PubMed: 37166530
DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10137-7 -
Parasitology Research Feb 2023Sarcocystis spp. are intracellular protozoan parasites with an obligatory heteroxenous life cycle. The objective of this study is to identify Sarcocystis spp. in wild...
Sarcocystis spp. are intracellular protozoan parasites with an obligatory heteroxenous life cycle. The objective of this study is to identify Sarcocystis spp. in wild boar muscles from Argentina by light and transmission electron microscopy and molecular characterization. Muscle samples from diaphragm, tongue, masseter, intercostals, heart, and forelimbs of 240 wild boars were analyzed. Of the animals, 48.3% (116/240) were positive for sarcocysts by light microscopy, whereas 45.8% (110/240) were positive for Sarcocystis spp. by PCR targeting 18S rRNA fragment. These samples were subjected to a specific PCR for S. suihominis coxI gene, 3.6% (4/110) of which were weak positives. Unfortunately, sequence analysis was inconclusive. This could be related to a potentially low S. suihominis cyst load in the samples, or to an incomplete primer matching with the South American S. suihominis sequences. Seventeen individual sarcocysts were positive by PCR for the 18S rRNA fragment, whose sequences showed 99.75-100% identity with each other and with previously reported S. miescheriana sequences. A total of 21 cysts collected from 11 muscle samples and analyzed by TEM presented a cyst wall type compatible with S. miescheriana, and one cyst presented an ultrastructure compatible with S. suihominis. The latter came from a sample that also contained S. miescheriana cysts, indicating that the animal was co-infected. This is the first study that provides infection rates and describes and identifies morphological and molecular features of Sarcocystis spp. cysts in wild boars from South America.
Topics: Animals; Swine; Sarcocystis; Sarcocystosis; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S; Argentina; Diaphragm; Cysts; Sus scrofa; Phylogeny
PubMed: 36471091
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07743-w -
Cureus Jun 2022is an intracellular protozoan parasite that manifests as a sarcocyst within the muscle fibers of an intermediate host. commonly affects animals; in fact, cases of...
is an intracellular protozoan parasite that manifests as a sarcocyst within the muscle fibers of an intermediate host. commonly affects animals; in fact, cases of sarcocystosis involving human hosts are rare and often undiagnosed. The two types of species that may infect and utilize humans as a definitive host are and , 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.
PubMed: 35844333
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.25912 -
Research in Veterinary Science May 2021Apicomplexan species in the genus Sarcocystis form tissue cysts, in their intermediate hosts, similar to those established in chronic toxoplasmosis. More than 200... (Review)
Review
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.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Humans; Prevalence; Red Meat; Sarcocystis; Sarcocystosis; Zoonoses
PubMed: 33626441
DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.02.008 -
First molecular characterization of Sarcocystis miescheriana in wild boars (Sus scrofa) from Latvia.Parasitology Research Nov 2020Various muscle samples of wild boar (Sus scrofa) from Latvia were studied for the presence of Sarcocystis infection by means of morphological and molecular methods....
Various muscle samples of wild boar (Sus scrofa) from Latvia were studied for the presence of Sarcocystis infection by means of morphological and molecular methods. Sarcocysts were detected in 122 out of 140 (87.1%) wild boar examined. According to the morphological appearance of sarcocysts, the observed cysts belonged to one morphological type and resembled Sarcocystis miescheriana. Twenty-three sarcocysts isolated from the muscles of Latvian wild boars were molecularly characterized at 18S rRNA, ITS1 and cox1. Additionally, eight sarcocysts obtained from Lithuanian wild boars were subjected to molecular analysis in order to compare intraspecific genetic variability. The amplified 18S rRNA region using newly designed primers is sufficiently variable to separate S. miecheriana from S. suihominis. All Latvian and Lithuanian isolates were confirmed belonging to S. miescheriana. No genetic variation was detected within 18S rRNA and ITS1. By contrast, the high intraspecific genetic variability of S. miescheriana was observed within cox1 since each newly obtained sequence represented a unique haplotype. The comparison made using S. miescheriana isolates from Italian and Japanese wild boar and Chinese domestic pig revealed the genetic similarity of the samples depending on their geographical distances. The current study provides the first detection of Sarcocystis infection in wild boars from Latvia and molecular characterization of S. miescheriana.
Topics: Animals; DNA, Protozoan; Haplotypes; Latvia; Muscles; Phylogeny; Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S; Sarcocystis; Sarcocystosis; Species Specificity; Sus scrofa; Swine
PubMed: 32929632
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06882-2