Among the protozoa of the genus Sarcocystis (Apicomplexa; Sarcocystidae), Sarcocystis bertrami (syn. Sarcocystis fayeri) is an obligate intracellular parasite of donkeys and horses with worldwide distribution. Here, we report the detection of S. bertrami in naturally infected donkeys from southern Italy and describe their structure by light microscopy (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Protozoal cysts were detected both morphologically and molecularly in skeletal muscles of 28.57% (40/140) donkeys. Mature cysts of S. bertrami were found in skeletal muscle measuring 31–102 μm long and 19–83 μm wide with radially striated thick cyst wall. The high prevalence of infected donkeys suggests that dogs, the definitive hosts of S. bertrami, are contaminating environment with environmentally resistant sporocysts. Considering the increased consumption of raw donkey meat results also suggest a potential risk for human health.

Sarcocystis bertrami in skeletal muscles of donkeys (Equus africanus asinus) from Southern Italy

Passantino, Giuseppe
;
Lia, Riccardo Paolo;Latrofa, Stefania;Annoscia, Giada;Otranto, Domenico;Rossi, Roberta;Zizzo, Nicola
2019-01-01

Abstract

Among the protozoa of the genus Sarcocystis (Apicomplexa; Sarcocystidae), Sarcocystis bertrami (syn. Sarcocystis fayeri) is an obligate intracellular parasite of donkeys and horses with worldwide distribution. Here, we report the detection of S. bertrami in naturally infected donkeys from southern Italy and describe their structure by light microscopy (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Protozoal cysts were detected both morphologically and molecularly in skeletal muscles of 28.57% (40/140) donkeys. Mature cysts of S. bertrami were found in skeletal muscle measuring 31–102 μm long and 19–83 μm wide with radially striated thick cyst wall. The high prevalence of infected donkeys suggests that dogs, the definitive hosts of S. bertrami, are contaminating environment with environmentally resistant sporocysts. Considering the increased consumption of raw donkey meat results also suggest a potential risk for human health.
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
1-s2.0-S2405939018301928-main.pdf

non disponibili

Tipologia: Documento in Versione Editoriale
Licenza: NON PUBBLICO - Accesso privato/ristretto
Dimensione 1.15 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
1.15 MB Adobe PDF   Visualizza/Apri   Richiedi una copia

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11586/227031
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? 0
  • Scopus 6
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 6
social impact