The Role of Mustelids in the Transmission of Sarcocystis spp. Using Cattle as Intermediate Hosts

Abstract

There is a lack of research on the role of mustelids in the transmission of various Sarcocystis spp. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that widespread mustelids in Lithuania could be involved in the transmission of Sarcocystis spp. using cattle as intermediate hosts. In 2016–2020, intestinal samples of 84 mustelids were examined. Sarcocystis spp. were identified by species-specific PCR targeting the cox1 gene and subsequent sequencing. Under a light microscope, oocysts/sporocysts of Sarcocystis spp. were observed in 40 samples (47.6%), while using molecular methods, they were detected in 75 animals (89.3%). Four Sarcocystis spp. were identified in the intestinal samples of American mink (Neovisonvison), Beech marten (Martes foina), European pine marten (Martes martes), European badger (Meles meles) and European polecat (Mustela putorius). The prevalence of predominant Sarcocystis spp., S. bovifelis (89.3%) and S. cruzi (73.8%) was significantly higher than that of S. hirsuta (3.6%) and S. hominis (1.2%). In an individual sample, most frequently two Sarcocystis spp. were identified (69.0%), then a single species (15.5%) and three species (4.8%). The present study provides strong evidence that mustelids serve as definitive hosts for Sarcocystis spp. using cattle as intermediate hosts.

The Role of Birds of the Family Corvidae in Transmitting Sarcocystis Protozoan Parasites

“…detection rate was significantly higher ( p < 0.001) by molecular methods (84.6%) than by microscopic examination (47.3%) ( Table 2 ). The study’s findings are consistent with previous research [ 25 , 36 ], showing that molecular methods should be used to examine all samples, rather than just those that are microscopically positive.…”

“…Whereas molecular methods can help to identify Sarcocystis spp. from intestinal and faecal samples of predators or omnivorous animals [ 7 , 8 , 10 , 20 , 21 , 25 , 35 , 36 ]. However, detection of Sarcocystis spp.…”

“…One DH can harbour multiple Sarcocystis species [ 1 , 8 , 10 , 25 ]. The present study revealed mixed Sarcocystis spp.…”

“…Oocysts/sporocysts of Sarcocystis spp. were isolated from the intestinal mucosa of each bird using previously described methodology [ 25 ]. All samples underwent further molecular analysis, regardless of whether oocysts/sporocysts were visible under a light microscope.…”

“…PCR reactions were conducted using DreamTaq PCR Master Mix (Thermo Fisher Scientific Baltics, Vilnius, Lithuania) according to the manufacturer’s protocol. The PCR cycling conditions were as previously described [ 25 ], with modified annealing temperatures (57–65 °C) depending on the primer pairs used. PCR products were visualised, purified, and directly sequenced as previously described [ 30 ].…”