The Experts below are selected from a list of 7740 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
J P Dubey - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
prevalence of sarcocysts in the muscles of raptors from a rehabilitation center in north carolina
Journal of Parasitology, 2019Co-Authors: Alexa Rosypal Von Dohlen, J P Dubey, D Scott, David S. LindsayAbstract:The life cycle of Sarcocystis species is heteroxenous (2-host), with carnivores being the definitive host and herbivores serving as intermediate hosts in predator-prey relationships. Raptors (eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls) are apex predators and are not consumed routinely by other carnivores, making the occurrence of sarcocysts in their muscles unusual. Recent reports of sarcocysts in eagles and owls with Sarcocystis encephalitis suggests that this condition may be becoming more frequent, and Sarcocystis falcatula has been implicated as the agent of encephalitis in golden ( Aquila chrysaetos) and bald eagles ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus) as well as great horned owls ( Bubo virginianus). The present study was done to determine the prevalence of sarcocysts of Sarcocystis species in the muscles of raptors from the southeastern United States. Pectoral and heart muscle from 204 raptor patients from the Carolina Raptor Center, Huntersville, North Carolina were tested for the presence of Sarcocystis species using histology. Only a few sarcocysts were seen in sections of pectoral muscle from 39 of 204 raptors (19.1%) and heart muscle from 9 that also had sarcocysts in their pectoral muscle. Two structural types of sarcocysts, thin-walled (1 μm; 62%) or thick-walled (>2 μm, 38%), were seen. Statistical analysis of raptor age and gender was done by Fisher's exact test on samples from raptors with 20 or more samples per group. The prevalence of sarcocysts by age (2 yr or more) was significant for red-shouldered hawks ( Buteo lineatus) ( P = 0.022) and Cooper's hawks ( Accipiter cooperii) ( P = 0.028). Sarcocyst prevalence in male raptors from these groups evaluated statistically were always less than in females. Prevalence in female red-tailed hawks ( Buteo jamaicensis) (42.1%) was significantly greater than in males (6.7%) using Fisher's exact test ( P = 0.047). Examination of case histories from the 39 sarcocyst-positive raptors did not reveal an association with sarcocysts in raptor pectoral or heart muscle and in a diagnosis of encephalitis. Additional studies are needed to determine the epidemiology and relationships of Sarcocystis spp. that use raptors as intermediate hosts and the importance of Sarcocystis spp. in the overall wellbeing of raptors in their natural environments.
-
identification of macroscopic sarcocysts of Sarcocystis cameli from one humped camel camelus dromedarius in iraq
Journal of Parasitology, 2017Co-Authors: J P Dubey, N N Aaji, Joseph Mowery, S K Verma, Rafael CalerobernalAbstract:Abstract There is considerable confusion concerning the identity of macroscopic Sarcocystis species in camels. Currently 2 species, Sarcocystis cameli and Sarcocystis ippeni, are recognized from 1-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius), and sarcocysts of both species are microscopic. Here, we report the identity of macroscopic sarcocysts from the C. dromedarius in Iraq as S. cameli. Five sarcocysts from the muscle of 2 adult camels collected in 1999 and stored in 10% formalin were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Sarcocysts were 1.5–5.0 mm long and 200–400 μm wide. By TEM, all 5 sarcocysts had thin sarcocyst walls. Ultrastructurally, the sarcocyst wall had “type 9j” villar protrusions similar to those of S. cameli. This is the first confirmation of macroscopic sarcocysts from 1-humped camel as S. cameli.
-
Sarcocystis arctica apicomplexa sarcocystidae ultrastructural description and its new host record the alaskan wolf canis lupus
Parasitology Research, 2016Co-Authors: Rafael Calerobernal, Joseph Mowery, S K Verma, Kimberlee B. Beckmen, Camila K Cerqueiracezar, David Carmena, J P DubeyAbstract:Sarcocystis sarcocysts are common in muscles of herbivores but are rare in muscles of carnivores. Here, we report sarcocysts in the muscles of a gray wolf (Canis lupus) from Alaska, USA, for the first time. Sarcocysts extracted from the tongue of the wolf were up to 900 μm long and slender and appeared to have a relatively thin wall by light microscope. By transmission electron microscopy, the sarcocyst wall most closely resembled "type 9c," and had a wavy parasitophorous vacuolar membrane folded as pleomorphic villar protrusions (vp), with anastomoses of tips. The vp and the ground substance (gs) layer were smooth without tubules or granules. The gs was up to 2.0 μm thick. The total width of the wall including vp and the gs was 3.5 μm. The vp were up to 1.5 μm long. Mature sarcocysts contained numerous bradyzoites and few metrocytes. The bradyzoites were 9.5 μm long and 1.5 μm wide, and contained all organelles found in Sarcocystis bradyzoites with at least two rhoptries. Molecular characterization showed the highest identity for 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, ITS-1, and cox1 sequences of Sarcocystis arctica of the Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) from Norway. The ultrastructure of S. arctica from the fox is unknown. Here, we provide ultrastructure of S. arctica from the Alaskan wolf for the first time. The definitive host of S. arctica remains unknown.
-
Sarcocystis masoni n sp apicomplexa sarcocystidae and redescription of Sarcocystis aucheniae from llama lama glama guanaco lama guanicoe and alpaca vicugna pacos
Parasitology, 2016Co-Authors: Gasto More, J P Dubey, Laura M Gos, S K Verma, Cristia Regensburge, Lais Pardini, Juliana Ctibo, Marcos Enrique Serranomartinez, Cecilia M VenturiniAbstract:There is considerable confusion concerning the species of Sarcocystis in South American camelids (SAC). Several species names have been used; however, proper descriptions are lacking. In the present paper, we redescribe the macroscopic sarcocyst forming Sarcocystis aucheniae and describe and propose a new name, Sarcocystis masoni for the microscopic sarcocyst forming species. Muscles samples were obtained from llamas (Lama glama) and guanacos (Lama guanicoe) from Argentina and from alpacas (Vicugna pacos) and llamas from Peru. Individual sarcocysts were processed by optical and electron microscopy, and molecular studies. Microscopic sarcocysts of S. masoni were up to 800 µm long and 35-95 µm wide, the sarcocyst wall was 2·5-3·5 µm thick, and had conical to cylindrical villar protrusions (vp) with several microtubules. Each vp had 11 or more rows of knob-like projections. Seven 18S rRNA gene sequences obtained from sarcocysts revealed 95-96% identity with other Sarcocystis spp. sequences reported in the GenBank. Sarcocysts of S. aucheniae were macroscopic, up to 1·2 cm long and surrounded by a dense and laminar 50 µm thick secondary cyst wall. The sarcocyst wall was up to 10 µm thick, and had branched vp, appearing like cauliflower. Comparison of the 11 sequences obtained from individual macroscopic cysts evidenced a 98-99% of sequence homology with other S. aucheniae sequences. In conclusion, 2 morphologically and molecularly different Sarcocystis species, S. masoni (microscopic cysts) and S. aucheniae (macroscopic cysts), were identified affecting different SAC from Argentina and Peru.
-
detection of Sarcocystis spp infection in bobcats lynx rufus
Veterinary Parasitology, 2015Co-Authors: S K Verma, Rafael Calerobernal, Michael E Grigg, Matthew J Lovallo, Amy R Sweeny, J P DubeyAbstract:The protozoan Sarcocystis neurona is an important cause of severe clinical disease of horses (called equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, EPM), marine mammals, companion animals, and several species of wildlife animals in the Americas. The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is its definitive host in the USA and other animals act as intermediate or aberrant hosts. Samples of tongue and heart from 35 bobcats hunted for fur and food from Mississippi State, USA in February, 2014 were used for the present study. Muscles were examined for Sarcocystis infection by microscopic examination of either unfixed muscle squash preparations or pepsin digests, by histopathology of fixed samples, and by molecular methods. Sarcocystis-like bradyzoites were found in digests of 14 hearts and 10 tongues of 35 bobcats. In histological sections, sarcocysts were found in 26 of 35 bobcats; all appeared relatively thin-walled similar to S. felis sarcocysts under light microscope at 1000× magnification. S. neurona-like sarcocysts having thickened villar tips were seen in unstained muscle squash of tongue of two bobcats and PCR-DNA sequencing identified them definitively as S. neurona-like parasites. DNA extracted from bradyzoites obtained from tongue and heart muscle digests was analyzed by PCR-DNA sequencing at the ITS1 locus. Results indicated the presence of S. neurona-like parasite in 26 of 35 samples. ITS1 sequences identical to S. dasypi were identified in 3 bobcats, 2 of which were also co-infected with S. neurona-like parasite. The high prevalence of sarcocysts in bobcat tissues suggested an efficient sylvatic cycle of Sarcocystis spp. in the remote regions of Mississippi State with the bobcat as a relevant intermediate host.
Jitender P. Dubey - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Morphological and molecular characterization of Sarcocystis arctica-like sarcocysts from the Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) from Alaska, USA
Parasitology Research, 2017Co-Authors: Camila K. Cerqueira-cézar, Rafael Calero-bernal, David R. Sinnett, Benjamin M. Rosenthal, Shiv Kumar Verma, Joseph Mowery, Peter C. Thompson, Fernando H. Antunes Murata, Caroline Van Hemert, Jitender P. DubeyAbstract:The muscles of herbivores commonly harbor sarcocysts of parasites belonging to species in the genus Sarcocystis, but such muscle parasites are rare in carnivores. Here, we report Sarcocystis arctica -like sarcocysts in muscles of Arctic foxes ( Vulpes lagopus ) from Alaska, USA, for the first time. The tongues of 56 foxes were examined for Sarcocystis infection using several methods. Sarcocystis bradyzoites were detected in pepsin digests of 13 (23.2%), and sarcocysts were found in histological sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) of 9 (16.0%). By light microscopy, sarcocysts were up to 4 mm long and up to 245 μm wide. In HE-stained sections, the sarcocyst wall appeared smooth and up to 1.5 μm thick without visible protrusions. By transmission electron microscopy, the sarcocyst wall had a wavy parasitophorous vacuolar membrane (pvm) folded as pleomorphic villar protrusions (vp), sometimes with anastomoses of villar tips. The vp and the ground substance (gs) layer were smooth and without microtubules. The gs was up to 2.0 μm thick. The total width of the wall including vp and the gs was up to 4.0 μm. The vp were up to 3.0 μm long and most closely resembled “type 9c.” All sarcocysts were mature and contained numerous 8.1 × 2.1 μm sized bradyzoites. Molecular characterization (at 18S rDNA , 28S rDNA, ITS-1, and cox1) showed the highest affinity for S. arctica of the Arctic fox ( V. lagopus ) from Norway. In the present investigation, we provide evidence that sarcocysts are common in tongues of Alaskan Arctic foxes suggesting that these carnivores are serving as intermediate hosts, and we also provide ultrastructure of S. arctica from the Arctic fox for the first time.
-
Sarcocystis mehlhorni, n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) from the black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus)
Parasitology Research, 2015Co-Authors: Rafael Calero-bernal, Shiv K. Verma, Erna Wilpe, Camila K. Cerqueira-cézar, Laurence M. Schafer, Jitender P. DubeyAbstract:Infection with Sarcocystis is common in many species of wild cervids but none is reported from the black-tailed deer ( Odocoileus hemionus columbianus ). Here, we report Sarcocystis infection in two black-tailed deer from northwest USA for the first time. Sarcocysts were microscopic, up to 556 μm long and mature. The sarcocyst wall was up to 1.39 μm thick and had rectangular 1.17-μm-long villar protrusions, type 17, with thin (230 nm) electron dense ground substance layer. Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis indicated that Sarcocystis in the black-tailed deer is related to structurally distinct Sarcocystis species in cervids. A new name, Sarcocystis mehlhorni , is proposed for the Sarcocystis species in black-tailed deer.
-
Sarcocystis oreamni, n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) from the mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus)
Parasitology research, 2015Co-Authors: Rafael Calero-bernal, Shiv K. Verma, Erna Van Wilpe, Kevin White, Camila K. Cerqueira-cézar, Jitender P. DubeyAbstract:Numerous species of Sarcocystis have been reported from wild ruminants, but none has been named from the Rocky Mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus). Mature sarcocysts were found in frozen muscle samples of three of seven mountain goats from Alaska, USA. Two morphological types of sarcocysts were found; one had Sarcocystis cornagliai-like sarcocysts, previously named from the Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) from Europe. Two other goats were infected with a new species, Sarcocystis oreamni. Sarcocystis oreamni sarcocysts were microscopic with 2 μm-thick sarcocyst wall. By transmission electron microscopy, the sarcocyst wall had 1.7 μm-thick with unusual molar tooth-like villar protrusions (vp), type 29. The vp had an electron dense core and two disc-shaped plaques at the tip with fine microtubules. Bradyzoites were 8.6–9.1 μm long. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) identified in 18S rRNA, and 28S rRNA loci of rDNA regions that suggested S. oreamni molecularly apart from related species. The phylogenetic analysis based on 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA sequences suggested S. oreamni is related with Sarcocystis species that employ members of the Canidae family as their definitive host.
-
Two New Species of Sarcocystis (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) Infecting the Wolverine (Gulo gulo) From Nunavut, Canada
The Journal of parasitology, 2010Co-Authors: Jitender P. Dubey, Mason V. Reichard, Luigi Torretti, Jason M. Garvon, N. Sundar, M. E. GriggAbstract:Infection with Sarcocystis species is common in many species of animals, but it has not yet been reported in wolverines (Gulo gulo). Histological sections of tongues from 41 wolverines in the Kitikmeot Region, Nunavut, Canada, were examined for sarcocysts. Sarcocysts were found in 33 (80.4%) wolverines. Two structurally distinct types of sarcocysts were found. Type A sarcocysts were thin (,1 mm thick) walled. Ultrastructurally, the parasitophorous vacuolar membrane (Pvm) had minute undulations, but it lacked villar protrusions and was not invaginated into the granular layer. The bradyzoites were slender, about 5 3 1 mm in size. Structurally, these sarcocysts were distinct from known species of Sarcocystis and possessed a novel 18S and ITS-1 sequence, sharing 98% and 78% sequence similarity with Sarcocystis canis. A new species name, Sarcocystis kalvikus, is proposed for type A sarcocysts. In contrast, type B sarcocysts had relatively thicker (about 2 mm) cyst walls and larger bradyzoites, each about 10 3 2-3 mm. Ultrastructurally, the Pvm on the sarcocyst wall had villar protrusions that were either mushroom-like or sloping. Molecular analysis identified a unique 18S and ITS-1 sequence that placed them in a clade within the Sarcocystidae. Based on histology, TEM, and genetic data, the new name, Sarcocystis kitikmeotensis, is proposed. Sarcocystis kalvikus was found in 14 (34.1%), S. kitikmeotensis was found in 7 (17%), and both species were found in 12 (29.2%) of 41 wolverines.
-
Acute Sarcocystis falcatula-like infection in a carmine bee-eater (Merops nubicus) and immunohistochemical cross reactivity between Sarcocystis falcatula and Sarcocystis neurona.
The Journal of parasitology, 2001Co-Authors: Jitender P. Dubey, M. M. Garner, M. D. Stetter, A. E. Marsh, Bradd C. BarrAbstract:An unidentified Sarcocystis falcatula-like infection was diagnosed in a captive bee-eater (Merops nubicus) in a zoo in Florida. The bird died suddenly, probably due to protozoa-associated pneumonia. Protozoal schizonts were found in lungs and heart, and immature sarcocysts were seen in skeletal muscles. Ultrastructurally, schizonts were located in capillary endothelium and merozoites lacked rhoptries, consistent with the structure of Sarcocystis species. Sarcocysts were immature, microscopic, and contained only metrocytes. The sarcocyst wall had finger-like villar protrusions that were up to 0.7 µm long and up to 0.2 µm wide. The villar protrusions lacked microtubules, characteristically seen in sarcocysts of S. falcatula. Antigenically, parasites in lungs and muscles of the bee-eater reacted with a varying intensity with polyclonal rabbit antisera to S. falcatula and Sarcocystis neurona. Results indicated that sarcocysts in the bee-eater were morphologically different from the reported structure for sarc...
Bjørn Gjerde - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Molecular characterisation of five Sarcocystis species in domestic sheep (Ovis aries) from Spain
Parasitology Research, 2020Co-Authors: Bjørn Gjerde, Concepción Fuente, José María Alunda, Mónica LuzónAbstract:The major aim of the present study was to determine by molecular methods whether the wide and narrow types of macroscopic sarcocysts in Spanish sheep belonged to different species, that is, Sarcocystis gigantea and Sarcocystis medusiformis , respectively. Additionally, we wanted to identify and characterize molecularly the species forming microscopic sarcocysts and determine the phylogenetic placement of all species found. Portions of the oesophagus, diaphragm and hind legs containing macroscopic sarcocysts were collected from slaughtered culled ewes at an abattoir in the Province of Madrid, Central Spain, but both macroscopic and microscopic sarcocysts were isolated for molecular examination. Genomic DNA from 63 sarcocysts (21 macroscopic, 42 microscopic) were examined at the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene ( cox1 ), while selected isolates of each species found were further examined at the 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. The 63 sarcocysts comprised five cox1 sequence types, each corresponding to a particular sarcocyst type, and thus represented five Sarcocystis spp. The slender fusiform and thick macrocysts belonged to S. medusiformis and S. gigantea , respectively. The microscopic sarcocysts belonged to Sarcocystis arieticanis , Sarcocystis tenella and a Sarcocystis mihoensis -like species with slanting thorn-like cyst wall protrusions, which was characterised molecularly for the first time. Based on its phylogenetic position, the S. mihoensis -like species probably uses corvids as definitive hosts.
-
Morphological and molecular characteristics of six Sarcocystis spp. from red deer (Cervus elaphus) in Spain, including Sarcocystis cervicanis and three new species
Parasitology Research, 2017Co-Authors: Bjørn Gjerde, José María Alunda, Mónica Luzón, Concepción FuenteAbstract:Samples of muscle tissue from the diaphragm, oesophagus and/or heart of eight adult red deer ( Cervus elaphus hispanicus ) from the Quintos de Mora Park in Toledo, Central Spain, were screened for sarcocysts by means of the compression method. From positive samples, individual sarcocysts were excised and examined in wet mounts under a light microscope (LM) in order to study their basic morphology before being preserved for molecular studies. In all red deer examined, only microscopic sarcocysts were found. Those in the diaphragm and oesophagus were spindle-shaped and about 1 × 0.1 mm in size, while those in cardiac muscle were sac-like and 500–800 × 80–180 μm. By LM, the sarcocysts either had densely packed, about 8-μm-long, hair-like protrusions (type 1), sparsely distributed indistinct projections (fuzzy outline; type 2) or no visible protrusions (smooth surface; type 3). In cardiac muscle, only sarcocysts without visible protrusions were found. One of the latter sarcocysts was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and found to possess thin ribbon-like protrusions. Forty-eight sarcocysts isolated from the diaphragm, oesophagus and heart of one red deer, as well as 55 sarcocysts from the heart of three other red deer, 103 sarcocysts in total, were characterized molecularly through PCR amplification and sequencing of the partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene ( cox1 ) of the mitochondrial genome, revealing the presence of six major cox1 sequence types. Each type comprised either a single sequence (three types) or a collection of several identical or nearly identical sequences. From selected isolates possessing each of these cox1 sequence types, the complete 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene was amplified and sequenced directly and/or after cloning of the 5′ end half. Supported by the sequence data from the latter gene, as well as the morphology of the sarcocysts from which the sequences originated, the six cox1 sequence types were considered to represent six separate Sarcocystis spp. Two cox1 sequence types were identified as belonging to the previously characterized species Sarcocystis hjorti (one sequence/sarcocyst) and Sarcocystis linearis (38 sequences/sarcocysts), respectively, whereas four sequence types were new. One of the latter types was assigned to the previously named species Sarcocystis cervicanis from red deer, since this sequence type was obtained from 52 sarcocysts from cardiac muscle, which matched the original morphological description (smooth surface) and habitat of this species. The remaining three sequence types were assigned to the three new species Sarcocystis iberica (one sequence/sarcocyst) Sarcocystis venatoria (10 sequences/sarcocysts) and Sarcocystis morae (one sequence/sarcocyst), respectively. The two species S. iberica and S. venatoria shared the same sarcocyst morphology (type 1) and habitat (diaphragm) and had virtually identical 18S rRNA gene sequences, but differed by 4% at cox1 , which was considered sufficient to regard them as separate species. The single sarcocyst of S. morae (from the oesophagus) examined by LM had a smooth wall and this species was therefore believed to have the same type of ribbon-like protrusions (ultrastructurally) as sarcocysts of S. cervicanis and S. linearis , which were also the species most closely related to S. morae at cox1 . Thus, there seems to be three species with similar ribbon-like cyst wall protrusions in red deer ( S. cervicanis , S. linearis , S. morae ), as well as three species with similar hair-like protrusions ( S. hjorti , S. iberica , S. venatoria ). Sarcocysts of S. cervicanis were only identified in cardiac muscle, whereas sarcocysts of S. linearis were found mainly in the diaphragm and oesophagus and rarely in the heart. The relative number of cox1 haplotypes was greater among sequences/isolates of S. linearis (17/38) than among isolates of S. cervicanis (7/52). Four of the species examined ( S. cervicanis , S. linearis , S. iberica , S. venatoria ) possessed considerable intra-isolate (intra-genomic) sequence variation (insertions/deletions, substitutions) in the 18S rRNA gene.
-
The resurrection of a species: Sarcocystis bovifelis Heydorn et al., 1975 is distinct from the current Sarcocystis hirsuta in cattle and morphologically indistinguishable from Sarcocystis sinensis in water buffaloes
Parasitology Research, 2016Co-Authors: Bjørn GjerdeAbstract:In the mid-1970s, it was established through transmission experiments and ultrastructural studies of sarcocysts by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) that cattle was the intermediate host of three Sarcocystis spp. using dogs, cats and humans, respectively, as definitive hosts. The cat-transmitted species with microscopic sarcocysts was initially named Sarcocystis bovifelis , but it was soon renamed Sarcocystis hirsuta , since it was considered to be identical with a previously named species. In recent years, an apparently new species has been detected in cattle in several countries by molecular methods and TEM and found by both methods to be indistinguishable from Sarcocystis sinensis in water buffaloes. This species was recently named Sarcocystis rommeli . Beginning in August 2014, a thorough review of papers comprising TEM micrographs of thick-walled sarcocysts in cattle was made in order to determine whether S. sinensis -like sarcocysts had been reported previously under other designations. Surprisingly, the review showed that the species S. bovifelis Heydorn et al., 1975 as described from cattle in Germany was S. sinensis -like and that indistinguishable sarcocysts had also been found in cattle in New Zealand and Canada in the 1980s. However, in the New Zealand study, these small sarcocysts were erroneously thought to represent developmental stages of a species with ultrastructurally similar but macroscopic sarcocysts, since the macroscopic cysts were found to be infective for cats. Thus, in the late 1980s, the cat-transmitted S. bovifelis , after having been renamed S. hirsuta , was erroneously synonymised with a second cat-transmitted species in cattle and then slid into obscurity until recently being rediscovered as a S. sinensis -like species in cattle and then named S. rommeli . Following the erroneous synonymisation, the name S. hirsuta has consistently been used for a taxon with macroscopic sarcocysts, and this usage should be continued. The name S. bovifelis should again be used not only for the species originally described from cattle in Germany but also for morphologically indistinguishable taxa recently reported from cattle under the names S. sinensis and S. rommeli . Because of the morphological similarity between S. bovifelis and S. sinensis , it is likely that cats also act as definitive hosts for S. sinensis . The present paper also gives a thorough review of all research in the 1970s pertaining to S. bovifelis , including its development in cats and cattle; a review of reports of S. bovifelis -like sarcocysts in cattle, water buffaloes and other hosts; and a review of reports of the taxon currently named S. hirsuta in cattle. The usage of the name S. sinensis versus Sarcocystis dubeyi for the S. bovifelis -like taxon in water buffaloes is discussed, and the latter name is found to represent a nomen dubium since the original description concerned a mixture of a S. sinensis - and a Sarcocystis hominis -like species. Based on available transmission (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, the three-dimensional configuration of the cyst wall protrusions of S. bovifelis / S. sinensis and the current S. hirsuta has been inferred and is described. The protrusions of S. bovifelis / S. sinensis are shaped like soft plastic tubes, having a cylindrical basal portion and a flattened distal portion, making them prone to fold over. The protrusions of the current S. hirsuta are thin, flattened and flexible rectangular structures (like a soft cover note book), which are attached to the cyst surface with a narrow stalk. The appearance of both types of protrusions in ultrathin sections viewed by TEM is highly dependent on how the sarcocysts and the protrusions themselves have been sectioned.
-
Muscular sarcocystosis in two arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) due to Sarcocystis arctica n. sp.: sarcocyst morphology, molecular characteristics and phylogeny
Parasitology Research, 2014Co-Authors: Bjørn Gjerde, Johan SchulzeAbstract:The arctic fox ( Vulpes lagopus ) is a critically endangered species in Norway, and therefore, the small population is closely monitored, and most foxes found dead are subjected to necropsy. In two deceased foxes, thin-walled muscular sarcocysts were first detected in histological sections, and numerous sarcocysts were later found in frozen and thawed muscle samples from Fox 1. These sarcocysts measured 1–12 × 0.1–0.25 mm and had closely spaced, short, knob-like protrusions, giving the cysts a serrated outline. Genomic DNA was extracted from eight isolated sarcocysts (Fox 1) and two muscle samples (Fox 2) and subjected to polymerase chain reaction amplification at four loci: the nuclear 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA genes and internal transcribed spacer 1 region and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene ( cox1 ). Both foxes were infected by the same Sarcocystis sp., which displayed little or no genetic variation at the three nuclear loci (99.9–100 % identity) and slightly more variation at cox1 (99.4–100 % identity). Sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analyses revealed that this species was distinct from other named Sarcocystis spp. but was closely related to various species using avian intermediate hosts and possibly identical to an unnamed species reported from two American dogs. The species described from the two arctic foxes was named Sarcocystis arctica n. sp.
-
molecular characterization of five Sarcocystis species in red deer cervus elaphus including Sarcocystis hjorti n sp reveals that these species are not intermediate host specific
Parasitology, 2010Co-Authors: Stina S. Dahlgren, Bjørn GjerdeAbstract:Muscle tissue from 37 red deer from Norway was examined for sarcocysts. Sarcocysts from 2 reindeer were obtained for comparative studies. Cysts were excised and morphologically classified by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and DNA sequence analysis. Five Sarcocystis species, Sarcocystis hjorti n. sp., Sarcocystis hardangeri, Sarcocystis ovalis, Sarcocystis rangiferi, and Sarcocystis tarandi, were found. All 5 species have previously been identified from either reindeer or moose by their sarcocyst morphology and/or ssu rRNA gene sequence. S. hjorti was the most prevalent species. Multiple variants of the ssu rRNA gene and the first internal transcribed spacer were found in S. rangiferi and S. tarandi from both red deer and reindeer. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that S. tarandi occurs in both red deer and reindeer, but it could not be clearly demonstrated whether the sequence variation within S. rangiferi between hosts was due to different paralogues or/and different species. DNA sequencing was necessary for definitive species identification, since the hair-like protrusions on the cysts of S. hjorti were not always recognizable by light microscopy and since different cervids harbour Sarcocystis species with highly similar cyst morphology of which at least some are not intermediate host specific.
Dalius Butkauskas - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
First molecular characterization of Sarcocystis miescheriana in wild boars (Sus scrofa) from Latvia
Parasitology Research, 2020Co-Authors: Petras Prakas, Eglė Rudaitytė-lukošienė, Dalius Butkauskas, Viktorija Kirillova, Muza Kirjušina, Inese Gavarāne, Anna Dzerkale, Gediminas ŠulinskasAbstract: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 .
-
Molecular identification of four Sarcocystis species in the herring gull, Larus argentatus, from Lithuania
Parasites & Vectors, 2020Co-Authors: Petras Prakas, Dalius Butkauskas, Evelina Juozaitytė-nguguAbstract:Background Birds of the family Laridae have not been intensively examined for infections with Sarcocystis spp. To date, sarcocysts of two species, S . lari and S . wobeseri , have been identified in the muscles of gulls. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the species richness of Sarcocystis in the herring gull, Larus argentatus , from Lithuania. Methods In the period between 2013 and 2019, leg muscles of 35 herring gulls were examined for sarcocysts of Sarcocystis spp. Sarcocystis spp. were characterised morphologically based on a light microscopy study. Four sarcocysts isolated from the muscles of each infected bird were subjected to further molecular examination. Sarcocystis species were identified by means of ITS1 sequence analysis. Results Sarcocysts were detected in 9/35 herring gulls (25.7%). Using light microscopy, one morphological type of sarcocysts was observed. Sarcocysts were microscopic, thread-like, had a smooth and thin (about 1 µm) cyst wall and were filled with banana-shaped bradyzoites. On the basis of ITS1 sequences, four Sarcocystis species, S . columbae , S . halieti , S . lari and S . wobeseri , were identified. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that a single infected herring gull could host two Sarcocystis species indistinguishable under light microscopy. Conclusions Larus argentatus is the first bird species found to act as intermediate host of four Sarcocystis spp. According to current knowledge, five species, S . falcatula , S . calchasi , S . wobeseri , S . columbae and S . halieti can use birds belonging to different orders as intermediate hosts.
-
Molecular identification of four Sarcocystis species in the herring gull, Larus argentatus, from Lithuania.
Parasites & vectors, 2020Co-Authors: Petras Prakas, Dalius Butkauskas, Evelina Juozaitytė-nguguAbstract:Birds of the family Laridae have not been intensively examined for infections with Sarcocystis spp. To date, sarcocysts of two species, S. lari and S. wobeseri, have been identified in the muscles of gulls. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the species richness of Sarcocystis in the herring gull, Larus argentatus, from Lithuania. In the period between 2013 and 2019, leg muscles of 35 herring gulls were examined for sarcocysts of Sarcocystis spp. Sarcocystis spp. were characterised morphologically based on a light microscopy study. Four sarcocysts isolated from the muscles of each infected bird were subjected to further molecular examination. Sarcocystis species were identified by means of ITS1 sequence analysis. Sarcocysts were detected in 9/35 herring gulls (25.7%). Using light microscopy, one morphological type of sarcocysts was observed. Sarcocysts were microscopic, thread-like, had a smooth and thin (about 1 µm) cyst wall and were filled with banana-shaped bradyzoites. On the basis of ITS1 sequences, four Sarcocystis species, S. columbae, S. halieti, S. lari and S. wobeseri, were identified. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that a single infected herring gull could host two Sarcocystis species indistinguishable under light microscopy. Larus argentatus is the first bird species found to act as intermediate host of four Sarcocystis spp. According to current knowledge, five species, S. falcatula, S. calchasi, S. wobeseri, S. columbae and S. halieti can use birds belonging to different orders as intermediate hosts.
-
Molecular identification of two Sarcocystis species in fallow deer (Dama dama) from Lithuania
Parasitology International, 2019Co-Authors: Eglė Rudaitytė-lukošienė, Petras Prakas, Živilė Strazdaitė-Žielienė, Elena Servienė, Vytautas Januškevičius, Dalius ButkauskasAbstract: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.
-
Sarcocystis species identification in the moose (Alces alces) from the Baltic States.
Parasitology research, 2019Co-Authors: Petras Prakas, Eglė Rudaitytė-lukošienė, Rafael Calero-bernal, Viktorija Kirillova, Muza Kirjušina, Miguel A. Habela, Inese Gavarāne, Dalius ButkauskasAbstract:Various muscle tissue samples from 60 moose (Alces alces) in the Baltic region were examined for Sarcocystis species. Sarcocysts were detected in 49 out of 60 (81.7%) moose investigated. Six species, Sarcocystis alces, Sarcocystis hjorti, Sarcocystis linearis, Sarcocystis silva, Sarcocystis ovalis, and Sarcocystis sp., were identified using light microscopy (LM), and DNA sequence analysis (cox1 and 18S rDNA). Sarcocysts of S. alces, S. ovalis, and S. hjorti were studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM); sarcocyst walls of S. alces, S. ovalis, and S. hjorti were type 25, type 24, and type 7a, respectively. Sarcocystis linearis previously found in roe deer and red deer was also shown to use moose as an intermediate host for the first time. The unknown Sarcocystis sp. was rare and might employ another main intermediate host. Phylogenetic results demonstrated that Sarcocystis sp. was most closely related to Sarcocystis tarandivulpes, using canids as definitive hosts.
Arvid Uggla - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Sarcocystis species in skeletal muscle of otter (Lutra lutra)
Parasitology, 1999Co-Authors: Kirsten Wahlstrom, T. Nikkilä, Arvid UgglaAbstract:Cysts of a Sarcocystis species were found in large numbers in skeletal muscle of an otter (Lutra lutra) which was raised in Norway and died in captivity in Sweden. This is the first report of Sarcocystis infection in the otter. The sarcocysts were 0.3-2.3 mm long and 0.06-0.25 mm wide. As judged by light microscopy the sarcocyst walls were thin (< 3 microns) with a serrated surface but without visible projections. By transmission electron microscopy, the sarcocyst wall measured 0.6-1.8 microns and had minute undulations covering the entire sarcocyst surface giving the wall a wavy appearance. Septa were indistinct. The sarcocysts contained few metrocytes and numerous bradyzoites. Sarcocysts were not found in 69 other otters subjected to necropsy in Sweden.
-
Sarcocystis dubeyi n. sp. (Protozoa: Sarcocystidae) in the water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
The Journal of parasitology, 1999Co-Authors: Lam T. T. Huong, Arvid UgglaAbstract:Sarcocystis dubeyi n. sp. is proposed for a species forming thick-walled, microscopic sarcocysts in striated muscular tissues of the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Sarcocysts of S. dubeyi were found in histological sections of skeletal muscles and esophagus, but not in heart and tongue, of 8 (13%) of 60 water buffaloes examined in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Sarcocysts of S. dubeyi were up to 600 microns long and up to 200 microns wide. The cyst wall was 4.5-9 microns thick and was composed of tightly packed, cylindrical villar protrusions (Vp) that had a uniform width of up to 3 microns, a length of up to 8 microns, and a blunt, often flattened tip. The Vp contained microfilaments but no prominent electron-dense granules. The definitive host of S. dubeyi was not determined, but it could possibly be humans or other primates. By the present description, 4 Sarcocystis species are recognized in the water buffalo: the macrocyst-forming Sarcocystis fusiformis and S. buffalonis and the microcyst-forming S. levinei and S. dubeyi.
-
Sarcocystis buffalonis n.sp. (Protozoa: Sarcocystidae) from the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in Vietnam.
The Journal of parasitology, 1997Co-Authors: Lam T. T. Huong, T. Nikkilä, Jitender P. Dubey, Arvid UgglaAbstract:Sarcocystis buffalonis n. sp. is proposed for a species forming thick-walled, macroscopic sarcocysts in skeletal muscles and the esophagus of the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Sarcocysts of S. buffalonis were found in 68 (10.5%) of 647 buffalo carcasses examined grossly at slaughter in Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam. Sarcocystis buffalonis sarcocysts were 1-8 mm long and 0.1-0.5 mm wide. The cyst wall was 3-7.7 microns thick and had palisadelike villar protrusions that were constricted at the base, expanded laterally in the mid-region, and tapered distally. The villar protrusions contained microfilaments and electron-dense granules. Sarcocysts of Sarcocystis fusiformis, the other well-known macroscopic species occurring in water buffalo, were also found in 60 of the 68 animals infected with S. buffalonis. Sarcocysts of S. fusiformis were thin walled and had characteristic cauliflowerlike villar protrusions. Two of 7 cats fed isolated S. buffalonis sarcocysts were found to have 12 x 8 microns sporocysts in their intestine or feces 10 days after inoculation.
