Molecular Identification of <i>Sarcocystis rileyi</i> and <i>Sarcocystis</i> sp. (Closely Related to <i>Sarcocystis wenzeli</i>) in Intestines of Mustelids from Lithuania
2023
Petras Prakas | Darija Moskaliova | Donatas Šneideris | Evelina Juozaitytė-Ngugu | Evelina Maziliauskaitė | Saulius Švažas | Dalius Butkauskas
The genus <i>Sarcocystis</i> is a group of numerous protozoan parasites having a two-host life cycle. Based on laboratory experiments and/or phylogenetic analysis results it was shown that seven <i>Sarcocystis</i> spp. producing sarcocsyts in bird tissues are transmitted via predatory placental mammals. To date the role of small mammals of the family Mustelidae in the distribution of avian <i>Sarcocystis</i> spp. have not been studied. During the current investigation, intestinal mucosa scrapings of 115 mustelids belonging to five species were tested for <i>S. albifronsi, S. anasi</i>, <i>S. rileyi</i>, and <i>S. wenzeli</i> infecting anseriforms and chickens. Microscopically, free sporocysts, sporulating oocysts, and loose oocysts were found in 61 samples (53.0%). Using nested PCR targeting the <i>ITS1</i> region and sequencing, <i>S</i>. <i>rileyi</i> was confirmed in eight American minks, two European polecats and single European badger. <i>Sarcocystis</i> sp. was identified in one American mink and one European pine marten. Based on the partial <i>ITS1</i> region this parasite showed that 100% identity to pathogenic <i>Sarcocystis</i> sp. caused a fatal infection in backyard chickens from Brazil. Phylogenetically, the <i>Sarcocystis</i> sp. identified in our study was most closely related to <i>S</i>. <i>wenzeli</i> parasitising domestic fowl (<i>Gallus domesticus</i>).
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