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Teng FS, Ferreira-Machado E, Guerra JM, Ressio RA, Dos Santos Cirqueira C, Figueiredo KB, de Carvalho ACSR, de Camargo GC, Dos Santos DO, Rahal SC, Rocha NS, Oliveira AR, Santos RL, Fernandes NCCDA. Molecular detection of Sarcocystis sp. in a kept under human care black capuchin monkey (Sapajus nigritus., Goldfuss 1809) with necrotizing encephalitis. J Med Primatol 2024; 53:e12713. [PMID: 38802986 DOI: 10.1111/jmp.12713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
A senile male black capuchin monkey (Sapajus nigritus) kept under human care in a Zoo was found dead after 2 weeks presenting signals of weight loss and hyporexia. Histopathological revealed a necrotizing encephalitis. Although it was not observed microscopically, Sarcocystis sp infection was detected in brain tissue from molecular assays. These infections have been rarely described in neotropical primates, particularly associated with tissue lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fwu Shing Teng
- Veterinary Pathology Service - Veterinary Clinic Department, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Ferreira-Machado
- Pathology Center, Adolfo Lutz Institute, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Wildlife Comparative Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Juliana Mariotti Guerra
- Pathology Center, Adolfo Lutz Institute, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Wildlife Comparative Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Gabriel Corrêa de Camargo
- Center for the Study of Medicine and Wildlife Research (CEMPAS) - Department of Veterinary Surgery and Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Daniel Oliveira Dos Santos
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Sheila Canevese Rahal
- Center for the Study of Medicine and Wildlife Research (CEMPAS) - Department of Veterinary Surgery and Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Noeme Sousa Rocha
- Veterinary Pathology Service - Veterinary Clinic Department, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Ayisa Rodrigues Oliveira
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Renato Lima Santos
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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da Rosa G, Roman IJ, Gressler LT, Cargnelutti JF, Vogel FSF. Molecular identification of Sarcocystis neurona in tissues of wild boars ( Sus scrofa) in the border region between Brazil and Uruguay. J Parasit Dis 2024; 48:74-80. [PMID: 38440759 PMCID: PMC10908719 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-024-01647-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Sarcocystis neurona, owing to its clinical importance in domestic animals, is currently one of the most studied agents, presenting a wide range of intermediate hosts that have not yet been described, mainly in wild fauna. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the detection and molecular detection of S. neurona by amplification of the 18S rRNA region in the tissues of wild boars killed by boar control program in border Brazil Uruguay. A total of 79 samples of DNA from wild boar tissues from the LADOPAR/UFSM sampling bank were used, with Nested-PCR reactions being performed for amplification of the 18S rRNA region and the expected final product of 290 bp. Subsequently, the positive samples were subjected to restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique with the restriction enzymes DdeI and HPAII. A second semi-Nested reaction was performed to obtain a larger sequence of nucleotides with amplification of the 18S region and the expected final product of 500 bp for S. neurona and Nested amplification ITS1 with product final of 367 pb. In 32 samples, it was possible to detect S. neurona both by nested Nested-PCR reaction and RFLP, and the presence of the agent was confirmed by sequencing, corresponding to 40.51% of the total tissues evaluated. This is the first report of the occurrence of this species of Sarcocystis in wild boars, and further studies evaluating the role of these animals as intermediate hosts, and in the epidemiology of this protozoan are necessary, as well as verifying the risk factors for infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilneia da Rosa
- Veterinary Medicine, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, University Federal of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul Brazil
| | - Isac Junior Roman
- Veterinary Medicine, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, University Federal of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul Brazil
| | - Letícia Trevisan Gressler
- Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology Laboratory, Farroupilha Federal Institute, Campus Frederico Westphalen, Frederico Westphalen, Rio Grande do Sul Brazil
| | - Juliana Felipetto Cargnelutti
- Bacteriology Laboratory, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, University Federal of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul Brazil
| | - Fernanda Silveira Flôres Vogel
- Veterinary Medicine, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, University Federal of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul Brazil
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da Rosa G, de Freitas Daudt G, Roman IJ, Cargnelutti JF, Sangioni LA, Flores MM, Vogel FSF. Sarcocystis in horses from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: Molecular identification of Sarcocystis bertrami and Sarcocystis neurona in muscle tissues. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 47:100973. [PMID: 38199686 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Horses are intermediate hosts of Sarcocystis spp. capable of forming cysts in their musculature. This study aimed to detect sarcocysts and investigate the presence of nucleic acids from Sarcocystis spp. in samples of striated muscles from horses in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, necropsied at the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory of the Federal University of Santa Maria. A total of 108 samples were collected from 24 horses and examined through direct examination. Microscopic tissue cysts were observed in three samples: tongue (2) and esophagus (1) from two animals. Extractions were performed on the found cysts and tissues, even though sarcocystosis detection was not present. DNA samples were subjected to Nested-PCR using Tg18s primers, and the amplified products were subjected to Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) using DdeI and HpaII enzymes. DNA belonging to Sarcocystis spp. was amplified in tissues from 91.7% (22/24) of the equines, and 67.6% (73/108) of the samples tested positive in the Nested-PCR reaction. The tissues with the highest detection frequency were: diaphragm 92.3% (12/13), gluteal muscle 77.2% (17/22), and esophagus 66.7% (4/6). In RFLP, Sarcocystis spp. was detected in 21 tissues from 11/22 equines, and cysts, identified through nucleotide sequencing, were determined to be S. bertrami. S. neurona was identified in 11 samples from 7/22 animals, with co-infection detected in 5/22 cases. The high detection rate indicates a concerning circulation of the protozoan, particularly the zoonotic S. bertrami found in all tissues, which are commonly exported for human consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilneia da Rosa
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima, n° 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul CEP 97105-900, Brazil.
| | - Gabriela de Freitas Daudt
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima, n° 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul CEP 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Isac Junior Roman
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima, n° 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul CEP 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Juliana Felipetto Cargnelutti
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia (LABAC), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, n° 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul CEP 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Luis Antonio Sangioni
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima, n° 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul CEP 97105-900, Brazil.
| | - Mariana Martins Flores
- Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária (LPV), Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul CEP 97105-900, Brazil.
| | - Fernanda Silveira Flôres Vogel
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima, n° 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul CEP 97105-900, Brazil.
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Enriquez CK, Morrow JK, Graves A, Johnson A. Evaluation of real-time polymerase chain reaction for the diagnosis of protozoal myeloencephalitis in horses using cerebrospinal fluid. J Vet Intern Med 2023; 37:1893-1898. [PMID: 37549306 PMCID: PMC10472993 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) caused by Sarcocystis neurona remains an antemortem diagnostic challenge in some horses. Recent work suggested the use of real-time PCR (rtPCR) on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as a promising diagnostic tool. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of S. neurona rtPCR on CSF for EPM diagnosis using horses with EPM and S. neurona-seropositive horses with other neurologic conditions. ANIMALS Ninety-nine horses with neurologic disease that underwent complete neurologic examination, CSF collection, and, if euthanized, necropsy including the central nervous system (CNS). METHODS Retrospective case-control study using banked CSF samples. Samples from horses with neurologic abnormalities and necropsy-confirmed EPM diagnosis, presumptive EPM diagnosis using strict criteria (SnSAG2/4/3 ELISA serum:CSF titer ratios <50) and horses diagnosed with other neurologic diseases were used. RESULTS Fifty-two horses had EPM; 23 were confirmed on necropsy, and 29 were presumptive clinical diagnoses. The other 47 horses all had necropsy-confirmed diagnoses. Four of the 47 horses had normal neurologic findings on necropsy and the remaining 43 horses had neurologic diseases including equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (EDM), cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy, trauma, and other miscellaneous conditions. One CSF sample was weakly positive for S. neurona by rtPCR, this sample was obtained from a horse with confirmed EDM. Samples from the other 98 horses were negative for S. neurona by rtPCR. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Our study contradicts previous conclusions that S. neurona rtPCR is potentially useful for EPM diagnosis, because our results indicate that the assay has a low sensitivity (0%) for EPM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Katherine Enriquez
- Department of Clinical StudiesUniversity of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center Hospital for Large AnimalsKennett SquarePennsylvaniaUSA
| | | | - Amy Graves
- Equine Diagnostic Solutions, LLCLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Amy Johnson
- Department of Clinical StudiesUniversity of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center Hospital for Large AnimalsKennett SquarePennsylvaniaUSA
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Silva TMVD, De Santi M, Gonçalves LR, Merino MMJ, André MR, Machado RZ. Reactivity against Sarcocystis neurona and Sarcocystis falcatula-like in horses from Southeastern and Midwestern Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2023; 32:e007623. [PMID: 37283358 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612023031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a neurological disease caused by Sarcocystis neurona. Immunofluorescence antibody tests (IFATs) have been widely used to identify exposure of horses to S. neurona in Brazil. Here we used IFAT to search for IgG antibodies against Sarcocystis falcatula-like (Dal-CG23) and S. neurona (SN138) in sera from 342 horses sampled in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul state (Midwestern), and São Paulo, São Paulo state (Southeastern), Brazil. The 1:25 cutoff value was chosen to maximize sensitivity of the test. IgG antibodies against S. neurona were detected in 239 horses (69.88%), whereas IgG antibodies against S. falcatula-like were detected in 177 horses (51.75%). Sera from 132 horses (38.59%) reacted against both isolates. Absence of reactivity was evidenced in 58/342 horses (16.95%). The lower cutoff used, and the presence of opossums infected with S. falcatula-like and Sarcocystis spp. in the regions where the horses were sampled, might justify the high seroprevalence observed here. Owing to the similarity among antigens targeted in immunoassays, reports on S. neurona-seropositive horses in Brazil may also derive from the exposure of horses to other Sarcocystis species. The role of other Sarcocystis species in causing neurological diseases in horses in Brazil remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Merighi Vieira da Silva
- Laboratório de Agentes Transmitidos por Vetores Artrópodes, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Mariele De Santi
- Laboratório de Agentes Transmitidos por Vetores Artrópodes, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | | | | | - Marcos Rogério André
- Laboratório de Agentes Transmitidos por Vetores Artrópodes, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Laboratório de Agentes Transmitidos por Vetores Artrópodes, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
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Elghandour MMMY, Maggiolino A, Vázquez-Mendoza P, Alvarado-Ramírez ER, Cedillo-Monroy J, De Palo P, Salem AZM. Moringa oleifera as a Natural Alternative for the Control of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Equines: A Review. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:plants12091921. [PMID: 37176979 PMCID: PMC10181162 DOI: 10.3390/plants12091921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Studies have shown a wide variety of parasites that infect horses, causing major gastrointestinal damage that can lead to death, and although the main method of control has been synthetic anthelmintics, there are parasites that have developed resistance to these drugs. For generations, plants have been used throughout the world as a cure or treatment for countless diseases and their symptoms, as is the case of Moringa oleifera, a plant native to the western region. In all its organs, mainly in leaves, M. oleifera presents a diversity of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, saponins, and vitamins, which provide antioxidant power to the plant. The compounds with the greatest antiparasitic activity are tannins and saponins, and they affect both the larvae and the oocytes of various equine gastrointestinal parasites. Therefore, M. oleifera is a promising source for the natural control of gastrointestinal parasites in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aristide Maggiolino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari A. Moro, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Paulina Vázquez-Mendoza
- Facultad Maya de Estudios Agropecuarios, Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas, Catazajá 29980, Chiapas, Mexico
| | | | - José Cedillo-Monroy
- Temascaltepec University Center, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, Temascaltepec 51300, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Pasquale De Palo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari A. Moro, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Abdelfattah Zeidan Mohamed Salem
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, Toluca 50295, Estado de México, Mexico
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Bernardino PN, Pusterla N, Conrad PA, Packham AE, Tamez-Trevino E, Aleman M, James K, Smith WA. Evidence of intrathecally-derived antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in horses suspected of neurological disease consistent with equine protozoal myeloencephalitis. Vet Parasitol 2023; 318:109919. [PMID: 37043865 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.109919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Among the recognized neurologic diseases in horses, equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) has been reported around the world and still presents challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Horses can present with clinical neurologic signs consistent with EPM while testing negative for the two main causative agents, Sarcocystis neurona or Neospora hughesi, and may still be clinically responsive to anti-parasitic drug therapy. This context led to our hypothesis that another protozoal parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, which is known to cause toxoplasmosis in other mammalian species, is a potential pathogen to cause neurologic disease in horses. To evaluate this hypothesis, serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were collected from 210 horses presenting with clinical signs compatible with EPM, and the indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was used to detect antibody titers for T. gondii, S. neurona, and N. hughesi. Additionally, the serum to CSF titer ratio was calculated for T. gondii, S. neurona, and N. hughesi infections, suggesting intrathecally-derived antibodies for each of the three agents if the serum:CSF ratio was ≤ 64. There were 133 (63.3%) horses positive for serum T. gondii antibodies using a cutoff titer of 160, and 31 (14.8%) positive for CSF T. gondii antibodies using a cutoff titer of 5. Overall, 21 (10.0%) of EPM-suspect horses had a serum:CSF ratio ≤ 64 for antibodies for T. gondii, while 43 (20.5%) and 8 (3.8%) horses had a serum to CSF ratio ≤ 64 for antibodies for S. neurona and N. hughesi, respectively. A total of 6 (2.9%) animals presented evidence of concurrent intrathecally-derived antibodies for T. gondii and at least one other apicomplexan parasite in this study. Signalment and clinical signs were not different across the groups aforementioned. These data provide evidence of intrathecal production of anti-T. gondii antibodies, indicative of T. gondii infection in the brain and/or spinal cord of horses with EPM-like disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro N Bernardino
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Nicola Pusterla
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Patricia A Conrad
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Andrea E Packham
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Eva Tamez-Trevino
- William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital, Immunology/Virology Laboratory, 1 Garrod Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Monica Aleman
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Kaitlyn James
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Woutrina A Smith
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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Gris AH, Bianchi RM, Schwertz CI, Piva MM, Richter G, Sonne L, Driemeier D, Pavarini SP. Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction in horses associated to pituitary adenoma. PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA 2023. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-5150-pvb-7117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT: The clinical syndrome of the pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is the most common endocrinopathy of older horses. This syndrome is characterized by several clinical and pathological changes, which are usually associated with adenomas of the pars intermedia (PI) of the pituitary gland. The aim of this work is to describe five cases of pituitary adenoma of the PI associated with PPID in horses, addressing its clinical and pathological aspects. The horses had a mean of 22 years of age. The main clinical signs were hirsutism and paresis of hind limbs, and at post mortem examination all horses had hirsutism, and a nodule in the pituitary gland, which was histologically characterized as an adenoma of PI (5/5). Furthermore, two horses had gross lesions suggestive of chronic laminitis. Moreover, there was intense parasitism of Sarcocystis neurona (2/5), Strongylus vulgaris (1/5), Parascaris equorum (1/5), Draschia megastoma (1/5), and Klossiella equi (1/5).
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9
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Pathologic Conditions of the Nervous System in Horses. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2022; 38:427-443. [PMID: 35810149 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2022.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The variety of neurologic diseases which affect horses makes pathologic examination of the nervous system a complex and lengthy process. An understanding of the common causes of neurologic disease, antemortem neurolocalization, and supplementation of the necropsy examination with ancillary testing will help to diagnose a large number of causes of neurologic disease. A general understanding of neuropathology and collaborative relationship with your local pathologists will aid in the definitive diagnosis of neurologic diseases.
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10
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Dubey JP. Invited review: Sarcocystis neurona, Neospora spp. and Toxoplasma gondii infections in horses and equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM): five decades of personal experience, perspectives, and update. Parasitology 2022; 149:1-44. [PMID: 35260209 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021002055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AbstractSarcocystis neurona, Neospora spp. and Toxoplasma gondii are related protozoans; they were considered the same parasite until 1970s. Two of these parasites, S. neurona and Neospora spp. are associated with a neurological syndrome in horses, called equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). The diagnosis and treatment of EPM are difficult. Most cases of EPM are related to S. neurona while only a few are due to Neospora spp. infections. There are two species of Neospora, Neospora caninum that has a wide host range and Neospora hughesi that has been found only in horses. Currently, T. gondii is not considered as a cause of EPM in horses, although it causes neurological illness in many other hosts, including humans. The present review provides an update on history, life cycle, diagnosis and treatment of these three infections in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 1001, Beltsville, MD20705-2350, USA
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11
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Gondim LFP, Soares RM, Moré G, Jesus RFD, Llano HAB. Sarcocystis neurona and related Sarcocystis spp. shed by opossums (Didelphis spp.) in South America. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 30:e006521. [PMID: 34259741 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612021059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Protozoan parasites of the genus Sarcocystis are obligatory heteroxenous cyst-forming coccidia that infect a wide variety of animals and encompass approximately 200 described species. At least four Sarcocystis spp. (S. falcatula, S. neurona, S. lindsayi and S. speeri) use opossums (Didelphis spp.) as definitive hosts, and two of them, S. neurona and S. falcatula, are known to cause disease in horses and birds, respectively. Opossums are restricted to the Americas, but their distribution in the Americas is heterogeneous. Five Didelphis spp. are distributed in South America (D. aurita, D. albiventris, D. marsupialis, D. imperfecta and D. pernigra) whereas just one opossum species (D. virginiana) is found in North America. Studies conducted in the last decades show that Sarcocystis spp., derived from South American Didelphis spp., have biological and genetic differences in relation to Sarcocystis spp. shed by the North American opossum D. virginiana. The aim of this review was to address the peculiar scenario of Sarcocystis species shed by South American opossums, with a special focus on diagnosis, epidemiology, and animal infections, as well as the genetic characteristics of these parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Fernando Pita Gondim
- Departamento de Anatomia, Patologia e Clínicas, Escola de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal da Bahia - UFBA, Salvador, BA, Brasil
| | - Rodrigo Martins Soares
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Gastón Moré
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas - CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rogério Fernando de Jesus
- Departamento de Anatomia, Patologia e Clínicas, Escola de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal da Bahia - UFBA, Salvador, BA, Brasil
| | - Horwald Alexander Bedoya Llano
- Grupo de Investigación - GINVER, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Corporación Universitaria Remington, Medellín, Colombia
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Pellizzoni SG, Costa SCL, Mery RBG, Barbieri JM, Munhoz AD, Silva AND, Sevá ADP, Alvarez MRDV, Albuquerque GR. Sarcocystis neurona, seroprevalence of antibodies in equines and research of oocystis in opossum in Ilhéus - Itabuna microregion, Bahia, Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 30:e027720. [PMID: 34161493 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612021054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The aims of this study were to determine the seroprevalence of Sarcocystis neurona antibodies in equines in the Ilhéus-Itabuna microregion (BA), and identify possible factors associated with infection. The presence of sporocysts/oocysts of Sarcocystis spp. was also verified in Didelphis spp. A total of 669 serum samples were collected from equines in 56 properties located in 12 municipalities in the region. Indirect fluorescent antibody test was performed with slides containing merozoites of the S. neurona, using a cut-off titer of 1:80. Occurrence of 7.92% of anti-S. neurona antibodies was observed in the sampled equines. The purposes trade and work were significantly associated with the presence of antibodies (p<0.05), and being used for the purpose of work (21.6%) was considered a risk factor, while being used for the purpose of trade (3.6%) was a protective factor. A total of 25 Didelphis spp. was captured for research on sporocysts/oocysts in stool samples and intestinal scrapings, being all negative. Didelphis spp. were all negative for the presence of Sarcocystis spp. and this circumstance does not change the fact that seroprevalence of S. neurona has been observed in horses raised in the southern Bahia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Gusmão Pellizzoni
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz - UESC, Ilhéus, BA, Brasil
| | | | | | - Jonata Melo Barbieri
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Alexandre Dias Munhoz
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz - UESC, Ilhéus, BA, Brasil
| | - Aísla Nascimento da Silva
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz - UESC, Ilhéus, BA, Brasil
| | - Anaiá da Paixão Sevá
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz - UESC, Ilhéus, BA, Brasil
| | | | - George Rêgo Albuquerque
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz - UESC, Ilhéus, BA, Brasil
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