Sympatric occurrence of Taenia saginata and Sarcocystis spp. in cattle from Narok County, Kenya: meat inspection findings with molecular validation.

The epidemiological picture of Taenia saginata infections in Kenya is fragmented with limited available data. Although Sarcocystis species are significant meat-borne parasites, few studies have explored their occurrence in Kenya. This study aimed to estimate the occurrence of bovine cysticercosis and screen for the presence of Sarcocystis spp. A meat inspection-based survey was conducted in ten abattoirs in Narok County, Kenya, and inspection for T. saginata cysticerci was limited to the Triceps brachii muscle. The apparent occurrence of the parasite was 5.4% (95% CI, 3.8, 7.6, n=573). Molecular confirmation of T. saginata was done via nested polymerase chain reaction targeting the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA gene and restricted fragment length polymorphism. Sarcocystis species were identified using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction method targeting the 18S ribosomal RNA gene sequences and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene. Of the 31 cystic lesions tested, 26/31 (83.9%) were confirmed to be T. saginata.Sarcocystis cruzi and S. hominis were detected in 8/31 (25.8%) and 1/31 (3.2%) of the cystic lesions, respectively. Co-infections of S. cruzi and T. saginata were found in 6/31 lesions (19.4%). The confirmation of bovine cysticercosis and S. hominis is suggestive of the presence of risky culinary and sanitation practices that facilitate transmission. This is the first report and molecular confirmation of Sarcocystis spp. in cattle in the country. The presence of both zoonotic S. hominis and pathogenic S. cruzi highlights an underexplored concern of veterinary and human health significance, warranting further epidemiological investigation.

Acute, fatal Sarcocystis falcatula infection in rose-ringed parakeets (Psittacula krameri).

Sarcocystosis is an important avian disease that affects several intermediate host species. Birds not endemic from Americas, like Old World psittacine species, appear to be more susceptible to lethal infection than New World psittacine species. The aim of this study was to investigate the sudden death of rose-ringed parakeets (Psittacula krameri) in an exotic private parrot's aviary. Macroscopically, the most prevalent findings were severe lung congestion, slight superficial myocardial hemorrhagic lesions, enlarged liver and congestion of meningeal vessels. The initial diagnosis of sarcocystosis was made in all birds by microscopic observations of intravascular pulmonary schizonts, as well hepatitis, myocarditis, and nephritis. Immunohistochemistry for detection of Sarcocystis sp. antigen revealed an intense immunoreactivity in the lungs. Molecular identification of Sarcocystis falcatula were obtained by nested PCR and sequencing of amplified fragments of internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) and three surface antigen-coding genes (SAG2, SAG3 and SAG4). SAG-based phylogenies showed a close relatedness of the isolate described here and S. falcatula previously detected in naturally infected native birds, which suggests that the isolates that affected ringnecks are a common isolate that circulates in Brazil.

Molecular identification and phylogenetic confirmation of Sarcocystis species in slaughtered camels in Al-Najif province, Iraq.

Background: Sarcocystis is an intracellular parasite of particular importance as it infects many domestic animals as camels that play the role of intermediate host for the parasite. Aim: This study aimed to identify Sarcocystis species in camels by molecular assay with confirmation of local isolates by phylogenetic analysis. Methods: A total of 200 slaughtered camels (Camelus dromedarius) that were slaughtered in Al-Najaf province (Iraq) abattoirs from October (2021) to July (2022) were subjected to collect the fresh tissues from four organs (esophagus, diaphragm, skeletal muscle, and heart), to be tested later by the conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Then, a total of 20 positive genomic DNA samples were sequenced, named, got specific access numbers (OP785703.1 to OP785722.1), and compared with the NCBI-GenBank isolates. Results: Targeting Cox1 gene, 80% of collected tissues were found positive by the conventional PCR assay. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that the local Sarcocystis isolates were identical to Indian S. cameli isolates at 99.70%-99.90%. Significantly, an increase in Sarcocystis infection was seen in the esophagus compared to the diaphragm, skeletal muscle, and heart; older (>4 years) than younger (≤4 years) camels, and in females more than males. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first molecular study in Iraq that identifies Sarcocystis cameli in camels. However, additional epidemiological and molecular studies in camel populations as well as in other domestic and wild animals appeared to be necessary.

A Systematic Meta-Analysis of Global Sarcocystis Infection in Sheep and Goats.

Sarcocystosis is an intracellular parasitic disease caused by Sarcocystis 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 Sarcocystis 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 Sarcocystis 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 Sarcocystis species tend to have a host species preference. Coinfection of S. tenella and S. arieticanis often occurred in sheep, and goats were frequently infected with S. capracanis. Age and sex were identified as risk factors for Sarcocystis 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 Sarcocystis and sheds light on its transmission in sheep and goats.

Macroscopic sarcocystosis in a pig carcass from an Italian abattoir.

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.

The occurrence of Sarcocystis spp. in the myocardium of alpacas (Vicugna pacos) with associated risk factors in the Peruvian Andes.

Sarcocystis masoni n. sp. (known as "S. lamacanis") infects alpacas affecting their productivity and can cause a food poisoning syndrome in humans by consuming contaminated, undercooked cardiac muscle. There are few studies estimating the prevalence of this parasite in alpacas, although this information is crucial for the control and prevention of sarcocystosis. This study aimed to determine the frequency and density of Sarcocystis masoni n. sp. in the heart of alpacas in Huancavelica, a province of the Andean region of Peru. Heart samples were taken for histopathology from 104 alpacas slaughtered at the municipal slaughterhouse of Huancavelica, the official abattoir in the Huancavelica district. No macroscopic sarcocysts were observed. All alpacas (100%) had microscopic sarcocysts of Sarcocystis masoni n. sp., with no inflammatory reactions. The alpacas showed an average sarcocyst density of 60.8 ± 23.3/mm2. Sarcocysts density was significantly higher (p < 0.05) as the age of the animals increased. In addition, sarcocysts density was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in male animals aged 4 and 5 years compared to females of the same age. These results confirmed that heart sarcocystosis is highly endemic in Peruvian alpacas. Therefore, it is recommended that alpaca hearts be well-cooked at the time of consumption. The present study showed current data and contributes to the knowledge of this parasitosis. Studies of this nature are necessary because they are the basis for developing animal health programs.

Sarcocystis bovifelis in Raw Hamburgers Marketed in Hamadan City, Western Iran.

Background: We aimed to evaluate Sarcocystis contamination in conventional and industrial raw beef burger samples from butcheries and retail stores in Hamadan, western Iran. Methods: Overall, 80 samples including 30 conventional and 50 industrial hamburgers were randomly obtained from different butcheries and supermarkets. All specimens were studied by digestion method following microscopic examination. Samples' genomic ribosomal DNA were amplified and nucleotide sequences were analyzed by BLAST for comparison with the sequences in the gene bank of the NCBI. Results: Sarcocystis bradyzoites were detected in 46 of 80 (57.6%) samples. Positive specimens were included as 46 (57.6%) and 30 (37.5%) by digestion and molecular method, respectively. Differences between two studied (digestion and molecular) methods was statistically significant (P=0.00). Twenty-six (86.5 %) of 30 conventional beef burgers and 20 (40%) of 50 industrial burgers were positive for Sarcocystis sp. by digestion method. There was a significant difference between Sarcocystis infested conventional and industrial beef burgers (P=0.01). Conclusion: The parasitic contamination of beef burgers implied a high level of infection in cattle. Felids as the definitive hosts for S. bovifelis urged on the improvement of the hygienic conditions of keeping and feeding livestock in order to reduce the infection. Molecular techniques confirm species in meat products with high sensitivity and distinguish it from human species.

Detection and phylogenetic analysis of Sarcocystis moulei and Sarcocystis spp. (Sarcocystidae: Apicomplexa) from slaughtered sheep in southwest Iran.

Sarcocystis species are intracellular protozoan which mostly complete their life cycle in two hosts. The parasite has a significant economic, medical and veterinary impact in many regions of the world and considered as a significant health problem in Iran. However, most of infections are asymptomatic and mortality is extremely rare. The present study aimed to determine the molecular phylogeny of the Sarcocystis species isolated from sheep slaughtered in southwest Iran, using mitochondrial DNA sequences of 18 S rRNA gene. The DNA was extracted from sheep muscular tissue (n = 60), and partial sequence of 18 S rDNA was amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis revealed two monophyletic clades representing S. moulei (n = 3) and Sarcocystis spp. (n = 3). BI posterior probability and MP bootstrap values strongly supported the monophyly of these clades. In conclusion, phylogenetic analysis of Sarcocystis species using 18 S rRNA gene could be helpful in identifying the new species of the Sarcocystis.

Zoonotic Sarcocystis.

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.

Natural Occurring Muscular Sarcocysts in Urban Domestic Cats (Felis catus) Without Sarcocystis-Associated Disease.

PURPOSE: Despite of classically acting as definitive hosts of different Sarcocystis species, domestic cats have been pointed out as possible intermediate hosts of S. neurona and S. felis. Nonetheless, details concerning natural sarcocyst development in cats without Sarcocystis-associated disease are scarce. This study aimed to characterize the natural occurrence of muscular sarcocysts in a random group of cats submitted for necropsy. METHODS: One hundred cats necropsied at a Veterinary Pathology Service were included. Nine different muscular tissues from each cat were sampled for histological analysis and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using multispecies primers for Sarcocystis neurona, Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii. PCR-positive cases were sequenced for genus and species identification. Epidemiologic data was also analyzed. RESULTS: Tissue sarcocysts were identified in hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides from five cats, and S. neurona was the only confirmed species. Multifocal sarcocysts affecting two or more muscles were common among positive cats (4/5). Sarcocysts were identified within vastus lateralis (3/5), intercostal (3/5), subscapular (2/5) and diaphragm (2/5) sections. These cysts were always incidental necropsy findings. All sarcocyst-positive cats were from urban areas, among which two were feral and three were pets. Outdoor access was consistently reported. Two cats were positive for retrovirosis, and treatments with potentially immunosuppressive drugs were never stated. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes the natural occurrence of S. neurona muscular sarcocysts in a random group of cats without Sarcocystis-associated disease. These findings reinforce the participation of feral and pet cats from urban areas as natural intermediate hosts of S. neurona.

Molecular characterization of Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis spp. in raw kibbeh and other meat samples commercialized in Botucatu, Southeastern Brazil / Caracterização molecular de Toxoplasma gondii e Sarcocystis spp. em amostras de quibe cru e de outras carnes comercializadas em Botucatu, Região Sudeste do Brasil

Abstract Toxoplasmosis occurs worldwide causing economic losses to the animal production and problems to the public health. The study aimed to detect Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis spp.in 141 meat products from commercial meat cuts of pork, beef, and kibbeh sold in commercial markets from Botucatu, SP, Brazil. Samples were bioassayed in mice to isolate the parasite, and the parasite DNA detected by PCR targeting the 529 base pairs repeat element region (PCR-529-bp). All samples resulted negative on bioassay, whereas PCR positive for 9 (6,38%), distributed as 5/48 beef, 3/49 pork, and 1/44 kibbeh. PCR-positive were investigated for the the parasite genotype using multiplex-, nested-, and RFLP-PCR for 11 markers (SAG1, 5'-3'SAG2, alt.SAG2, SAG3, B-TUB, GRA6, L358, c22-8, c29-6, PK1, Apico). Complete genotype was determined on just one PCR-positive sample that matched MAS, TgCkBr89 and TgCkBr147 isolates already identified. In addition, nested- and RFLP-PCR targeting 18S rRNA was run for all PCR-positive samples and, the products, sequenced and aligned to the GenBank at NCBI website. Four samples showed 100% homology with T. gondii (GenBank #L37415.1), three with Sarcocystis hominis (GenBank #AF006471.1), two Sarcocystis cruzi (GenBank #AF176934.1), and one Sarcocystis hirsuta (GenBank #AF006469.1), indicating the circulation of T. gondii and Sarcocystis spp.

Resumo A toxoplasmose está mundialmente distribuída e causa perdas na produção animal e problemas de saúde pública. Objetivou-se detectar Toxoplasma gondii e Sarcocystis spp. em 141 produtos cárneos de origem suína (49), bovina (48) e de quibe cru (44), comercializados em mercados de Botucatu, SP, Brazil. Realizou-se bioensaio das amostras em camundongos para isolamento do parasita, e detecção do DNA pela reação em cadeia pela polimerase, tendo como alvo a região do elemento repetitivo de 529 pares de bases (PCR-529-bp). Todas as amostras foram negativas ao bioensaio e 9 (6,38%) positivas à PCR, sendo 5/48 bovinas, 3/49 suínas e 1/44 quibe. Determinou-se a genotipagem das amostras positivas pela multiplex-, nested- e RFLP-PCR com 11 marcadores (SAG1, 5'-3'SAG2, alt.SAG2, SAG3, B-TUB, GRA6, L358, c22-8, c29-6, PK1, Apico). Obteve-se genótipo completo em uma amostra, semelhante a outros já identificados (MAS, TgCkBr89 e TgCkBr147). Nested- e RFLP-PCR do gene 18S rRNA das amostras positivas à PCR foram realizadas, e os produtos da nested-PCR, sequenciados e alinhados com dados do GenBank no NCBI. Quatro apresentaram 100% de homologia com T. gondii (L37415.1), duas Sarcocystis hominis (AF006471.1), duas Sarcocystis cruzi (AF176934.1), uma Sarcocystis hirsuta (AF006469.1), indicando a circulação de T. gondii e Sarcocystis spp.

Sarcocystis infection in beef and industrial raw beef burgers from butcheries and retail stores: A molecular microscopic study.

Sarcocystis is a genus of eucoccidian parasites, which globally infects humans and various animals. In addition to economic losses in livestock industries, the parasite is a zoonosis that infects humans through contaminated beef and pork with the parasite sarcocysts. Therefore, this study was carried out to assess Sarcocystis contamination in beef and industrial raw beef burger samples from butcheries and retail stores in Tehran, Iran. Overall, 180 samples of 90 beefs and 90 raw industrial beef burgers with at least 80% meat were randomly collected in Tehran, Iran. Samples were studied microscopically after peptic digestion. Furthermore, sample genomic DNAs were used in conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify approximately 900-bp fragments from 18S ribosomal DNA. Of 180 samples, 170 samples (94.4%) were microscopically and 161 samples (89.44%) were molecularly positive for Sarcocystis spp. Eucoccidial DNA fragments were detected in 161 samples (89.4%), including 78 (86.6%) beef and 83 (92.2%) beef burger samples. No significant differences were found between the beef and beef burger infestations by Sarcocystis bradyzoites using statistical analysis (P > 0.05). Statistically significant differences were seen between the sample type and the intensity of parasites in samples (P = 0.003). Furthermore, differences between the conventional PCR results (positive/negative) and the intensity of parasites in samples were statistically significant (P < 0.001). The considerable prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. in beef and beef burger samples reflects high transmission of the parasite in meat producing cattle, which is important due to food hygiene. Although the most prevalent bovine species, S. cruzi, is not a zoonosis, it is highly recommended to follow guidelines on the parasite transmission prevention due to the existence of S. hominis as a zoonotic bovine species.

Molecular phylogeny of Sarcocystis fayeri (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) from the domestic horse Equus caballus based on 18S rRNA gene sequences and its prevalence.

Sarcocystosis is a parasitic disease caused by an intracellular protozoan parasite Sarcocystis belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa. These parasites have a requisite two-host life cycle. Recently, there are many Sarcocystis species that identified morphologically. In the present study, diaphragmatic muscle samples from the domestic horse (Equus caballus) were examined for Sarcocystis infection. The natural infection with sarcocysts was recorded to be 62·5% for only microcysts in the infected muscles. Molecular analysis using the 18S rRNA gene was conducted to swiftly and accurately identify the recovered species. Studies on the expression of the 18S rRNA gene have confirmed that the present parasite isolates belong to the Sarcocystis genus. The sequence data showed significant identities (>80%) with archived gene sequences from species within the Sarcocystidae family, and a dendrogram showing the phylogenetic relationship was constructed. The most closely related species were the previously described Sarcocystis fayeri and Sarcocystis bertrami. The current data showed that the present species was identified as S. fayeri and deposited in GenBank (accession number MF614956.1). This study highlights the importance of the genetic data in the exact taxonomy within sarcocystid species.

Sarcocystosis in Ruminants of Iran, as Neglected Food-Borne Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Sarcocystis is a zoonotic parasitic pathogen which endangers the safety of meat and meat products. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the prevalence rate and status of Sarcocystis spp. in ruminants as important food sources in Iran. METHODS: Data were collected from papers indexed in five English language electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar) and four Persian electronic databases (IranMedex, SID, IranDoc, and Magiran) from January to April 2019. Papers were selected based on inclusion criteria. Data analysis was performed in StatsDirect statistical software, version 2.7.2. RESULTS: The searching process resulted in the identification of 73 studies. Data analyses revealed that the total prevalence (95% confidence intervals) of Sarcocystis spp. in Iranian ruminants was 74.40% (64.01-83.56). In addition, a significant association was also observed between sarcocystosis infection in Iranian ruminants and year, host, location, and diagnostic technique (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: According to our data, the prevalence of Sarcocystis infection in ruminants is relatively high. High pathogenicity of some Sarcocystis spp. and the negative impact that the spread of some parasites among ruminants can have on human and animal health necessitate the direction of more attention toward monitoring, controlling, and preventing sarcocystosis.

Seroprevalence of Sarcocystis falcatula in Two Islands of Malaysia using Recombinant Surface Antigen 4.

Sarcocystosis was diagnosed worldwide by serodiagnostic tests utilising the whole parasite, for which the protozoa were maintained in vitro are more costly. In this study, antigenicity of Sarcocystis falcatula recombinant protein (rSfSAG4) was investigated towards the local communities of Pangkor and Tioman Islands and its seroprevalence was surveyed in these islands. A total of 348 human sera were tested using rSfSAG4 by Western blot and ELISA. High prevalence of sarcocystosis was observed in Tioman Island (80.6%) than in Pangkor Island (50.0%) by Western blot. In ELISA, the seroprevalence observed in Tioman Island was 45.9%, whereas in Pangkor Island 63.0%. In other parasitic infections, the prevalence was 34.0% by Western blot and 46.0% by ELISA. In healthy control group, 7% by Western blot and 8% by ELISA showed positivity to rSfSAG4. It is suggested SfSAG4 is a candidate antigen to measure seroprevalence of sarcocystosis.

Sarcocystis rileyi in UK free-living wildfowl (Anatidae): surveillance, histopathology and first molecular characterisation.

BACKGROUND: Reports from UK hunters of 'rice grains' in muscles of shot wildfowl (Anatidae) coincided temporally with the finding of sarcocystosis in a number of ducks found as part of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust long-term general surveillance of found dead waterbirds. Sarcocystis rileyi has also been relatively recently confirmed in wildfowl in north-eastern Europe. METHODS: This study uses four approaches to investigate UK wildfowl sarcocystosis: first, through a hunter questionnaire that captured historical case data; secondly, through an online reporting system; thirdly, DNA sequencing to characterise UK cases; and fourthly, histological myopathy assessment of infected pectoral muscle. RESULTS: Our questionnaire results suggest Sarcocystis infection is widely distributed throughout the UK and observed in 10 Anatidae species, reported cases increased since the 2010/2011 shooting season, with the online reporting system reflecting this increase. DNA sequencing (18S rRNA gene and internal transcribed spacer-1 region) of UK isolates confirmed S rileyi in the five dabbling duck host species tested and the associated histopathological myopathy is described. CONCLUSION: This work highlights an emerging issue to European wildfowl species and provides much opportunity for further research, including the impacts of S rileyi and the described myopathy on host health, fitness and survival.

Histopathological Survey on Sarcocystis Species Infection in Slaughtered Cattle of Zabol-Iran

Objective: Sarcocystosis is an important zoonotic protozoal disease with worldwide distribution and wide range of hosts. The aim of the present study was to determine the intensity of Sarcocystis spp. infection and to show histopathological features of their cystic lesions in slaughtered cattle of Zabol- Iran. Methods: From April to September 2018, 500 tissue samples from esophagus, heart, diaphragm, tongue and masticatory muscles were prepared from 100 slaughtered cattle. All samples were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and routine tissue processing protocol was performed. Results: The microscopic results showed that 92.2% of specimens had thin-walled cysts of S. cruzi and 14% had thick-walled Sarcocystis (S. hirsuta and S. hominis) but macrocyst was only observed in one cattle. The positivity rate of thin walled cysts was 58.8% for heart, 13.9% for masticatory muscles, 10.2% for tongue, 9.3% for esophagus and 7.8% for diaphragm. The positivity rate of thick walled cysts was 32.8% for esophagus, 28.6% for tongue, 22.9% for heart, 15.7% for masticatory muscles and 0% for diaphragm, which could represent either S. hominis or S. hirsuta. The most infected tissue was heart and the least infected tissue was diaphragm. Thin walled cysts (S. cruzi) were mostly found in heart and were less found in diaphragm. However, thick-walled cysts (S. hirsuta and S. hominis) were mostly detected in esophagus. No thick-walled cysts were found in diaphragm muscle. Conclusion: A high positivity rate of sarcocystosis in slaughtered cattle in Zabol abattoir revealed heavily environmental contamination of Sistan region by this important parasitic disease.

Sarcocystis rileyi emerging in Hungary: is rice breast disease underreported in the region?

Reports of Sarcocystis rileyi-like protozoa ('rice breast disease') from anseriform birds had been rare in Europe until the last two decades, when S. rileyi was identified in northern Europe and the UK. However, despite the economic losses resulting from S. rileyi infection, no recent accounts are available on its presence (which can be suspected) in most parts of central, western, southern and eastern Europe. Between 2014 and 2019, twelve mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) were observed to have rice breast disease in Hungary, and the last one of these 12 cases allowed molecular identification of S. rileyi, as reported here. In addition, S. rileyi was molecularly identified in the faeces of one red fox (Vulpes vulpes). The hunting season for mallards in Hungary lasts from mid-August to January, which in Europe coincides with the wintering migration of anseriform birds towards the south. Based on this, as well as bird ringing data, it is reasonable to suppose that the first S. rileyi-infected mallards arrived in Hungary from the north. on the other hand, red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), which are final hosts of S. rileyi, are ubiquitous in Hungary, and our molecular finding confirms an already established autochthonous life cycle of S. rileyi in the region. Taken together, this is the first evidence for the occurrence of S. rileyi in Hungary and its region.

Fatal Sarcocystis cruzi-induced eosinophilic myocarditis in a heifer in Uruguay.

Sarcocystis spp. are causative agents of bovine eosinophilic myositis and/or myocarditis, which are chronic subclinical myopathies that are occasionally responsible for condemnation at slaughterhouses. Sarcocystis cruzi is a protozoan parasite of worldwide distribution transmitted by canids, most commonly associated with subclinical infection in cattle. Although S. cruzi infections can rarely lead to fatal systemic disease, fatal cardiac cases with confirmation of the etiologic diagnosis have not been reported, to our knowledge. We describe herein an unusual case of S. cruzi-induced fatal bovine eosinophilic myocarditis. A 22-mo-old, Holstein-Hereford heifer, in a group of 110 cattle on pasture, manifested growth retardation and died in February 2017. Autopsy revealed myriad yellow-green 1-3-mm coalescing foci, surrounded by fibrosis, affecting ~75% of the ventricular myocardium. Pulmonary edema, ascites, and hydrothorax were consistent with chronic congestive heart failure. Histology revealed severe eosinophilic, granulomatous, necrotizing myocarditis, with multinucleate giant cells, fibrosis, and mineralization. Numerous thin-walled protozoan cysts resembling Sarcocystis spp. were present in the necrotic foci and within the sarcoplasm of adjacent cardiomyocytes. PCR and sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene revealed 99.9-100% homology with S. cruzi. Sarcocystosis can be a rare cause of fatal myocarditis in cattle.

Fatal hepatic sarcocystosis in a free-ranging grizzly bear cub associated with Sarcocystis canis-like infection.

We describe herein fatal hepatic sarcocystosis in a free-ranging grizzly bear ( Ursus arctos horribilis) cub with apicomplexan infection of the liver and brain, both demonstrating 100% homology for Sarcocystis canis and S. arctosi. Fatal hepatic sarcocystosis in dogs has been etiologically associated with intrahepatic schizonts of S. canis. In black and polar bears, a S. canis-like organism produces schizonts in the liver and massive hepatic necrosis. Although intramuscular sarcocysts, taxa S. arctosi and S. ursusi, have been described in healthy brown and black bears, respectively, they have not been detected in bears with hepatic sarcocystosis, to our knowledge, and it is currently unknown whether bears represent an aberrant or intermediate host.