First Report of Sarcocystis Masoni in a Captive Alpaca (Vicugna Pacos) From China

Jiang, Nan; Xin, Shilin; Zhu, Niuping; Yang, Liulu; Wei, Huang; Hu, Junjie; Zhu, Xiu-Hong; Yang, Yurong

doi:10.3389/fvets.2021.759252

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 31 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Sarcocystis infection is common in many species of animal worldwide, including in China. Sarcocystosis of alpacas has mostly been reported in South America and Australia [ 1 ], but recently, the disease was also diagnosed in alpacas from China [ 22 ]. Sarcocysts are common in asymptomatic alpacas and other similar Camelidae, usually causing subclinical infections in SACs [ 4 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Morphological and Molecular Characterization, and Demonstration of a Definitive Host, for Sarcocystis masoni from an Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) in China

Sun

et al. 2022

Biology

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Only 18S rDNA sequences of Sarcocystis spp. in South American camelids (SACs) are deposited in GenBank as references, and the definitive host of S. masoni in SACs is still unclear. Here, S. masoni sarcocysts detected in an alpaca (Vicugna pacos) in China were investigated with the aid of light (LM) and transmission electron (TEM) microscopy, and characterized using four genetic markers, i.e., 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA and ITS, and the mitochondrial cox1. Additionally, the life cycle of the parasite was completed via experimental animal infection. Under LM, S. masoni sarcocysts exhibited numerous 1.3–2.1 μm conical protrusions. Under TEM, the sarcocyst wall contained conical, cylindrical, or irregular-shaped villar protrusions, similar to type 9j. Two dogs (Canis familiaris) fed S. masoni sarcocysts shed sporocysts with a prepatent period of 8–9 days. The newly obtained 18S rDNA sequences showed 98.4–100% identity with those of S. masoni in SACs previously deposited in GenBank. Interestingly, the newly obtained sequences of 18S rDNA and mitochondrial cox1 shared 99.6–100% and 98.2–98.5% identity, respectively, with those of S. cameli in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedaries). Phylogenetic analysis based on sequences of 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, or mitochondrial cox1 revealed that S. masoni has a close relationship with Sarcocystis spp. in ruminants. The relationship between S. masoni and S. cameli deserves to be further clarified in the future.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Morphological and Molecular Characterization, and Demonstration of a Definitive Host, for Sarcocystis masoni from an Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) in China

Sun

et al. 2022

Biology

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Microscopic sarcocysts, referred to as Sarcocystis sp., S. lamacanis or, more recently, S. masoni , were reported in the cardiac muscle of llamas and guanacos from Argentina, alpacas from Peru, and alpacas bred in the extra-Andean countries China, Iran, and Australia [ 17 , 33 , 46 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 ]. Microcysts were, in some cases, also observed in other body locations in addition to the myocardium, such as liver, kidney, spleen, lung, tongue, and skeletal muscles [ 17 , 33 , 62 , 63 ].…”

Section: Epidemiology and Risk Factorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…in dromedaries. In all cases, older age was associated with higher abundances of sarcocysts, most likely due to the prolonged exposure of older animals to infective-stage parasites from the environment [ 50 , 52 , 63 , 74 ].…”

Section: Epidemiology and Risk Factorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sarcocystis spp. of New and Old World Camelids: Ancient Origin, Present Challenges

Wieser,

Giuliano,

Reategui Ordoñez

et al. 2024

Pathogens

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Sarcocystis spp. are coccidian protozoans belonging to the Apicomplexa phylum. As with other members of this phylum, they are obligate intracellular parasites with complex cellular machinery for the invasion of host cells. Sarcocystis spp. display dixenous life cycles, involving a predator and a prey as definitive and intermediate hosts, respectively. Specifically, these parasites develop sarcocysts in the tissues of their intermediate hosts, ranging in size from microscopic to visible to the naked eye, depending on the species. When definitive hosts consume sarcocysts, infective forms are produced in the digestive system and discharged into the environment via feces. Consumption of oocyst-contaminated water and pasture by the intermediate host completes the parasitic cycle. More than 200 Sarcocystis spp. have been described to infect wildlife, domestic animals, and humans, some of which are of economic or public health importance. Interestingly, Old World camelids (dromedary, domestic Bactrian camel, and wild Bactrian camel) and New World or South American camelids (llama, alpaca, guanaco, and vicuña) can each be infected by two different Sarcocystis spp: Old World camelids by S. cameli (producing micro- and macroscopic cysts) and S. ippeni (microscopic cysts); and South American camelids by S. aucheniae (macroscopic cysts) and S. masoni (microscopic cysts). Large numbers of Old and New World camelids are bred for meat production, but the finding of macroscopic sarcocysts in carcasses significantly hampers meat commercialization. This review tries to compile the information that is currently accessible regarding the biology, epidemiology, phylogeny, and diagnosis of Sarcocystis spp. that infect Old and New World camelids. In addition, knowledge gaps will be identified to encourage research that will lead to the control of these parasites.

show abstract

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

Rodríguez¹,

Quispe-Solano

Rodríguez

et al. 2023

Trop Anim Health Prod

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Sarcocystis is a threat to food security in the Peruvian Andes. The Sarcocystis species that forms microcysts in the myocardium of alpacas is S. masoni n. sp. (known as "S. lamacanis"). There is a lack of current studies estimating the prevalence of this parasite in alpacas, although this information is crucial for the control and prevention of sarcocystosis. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and cyst density of Sarcocystis masoni n. sp. in the myocardium of alpacas in Huancavelica, a province of the Andean region of Peru. Myocardial samples for histological analysis were taken from 104 alpacas slaughtered in an o cial abattoir in the area. All alpacas (100%) presented this parasite. About 44% (95% CI: 34.5-53.5%), presented from 31 to 45 microcysts per mm2 of myocardial histological slide (cyst density). Cyst density was signi cantly higher (p<0.05) as the age of the animals increased. In addition, cyst density was signi cantly higher (p<0.05) in 4-and 5-years-old males compared to females of the same age. These results con rm that myocardial sarcocystosis is highly endemic in alpacas in Peru.

show abstract

First Report of Sarcocystis Masoni in a Captive Alpaca (Vicugna Pacos) From China

Cited by 4 publications

References 31 publications

Morphological and Molecular Characterization, and Demonstration of a Definitive Host, for Sarcocystis masoni from an Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) in China

Morphological and Molecular Characterization, and Demonstration of a Definitive Host, for Sarcocystis masoni from an Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) in China

Sarcocystis spp. of New and Old World Camelids: Ancient Origin, Present Challenges

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

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About