Parasite genotype is a risk factor for <i>Sarcocystis neurona</i>-associated mortality in southern sea otters (<i>Enhydra lutris nereis</i>).

ABSTRACT: The protozoal parasites Sarcocystis neurona and Toxoplasma gondii are important causes of mortality for threatened southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) in California. Sarcocystis neurona causes more sea otter deaths than T. gondii and has caused two mortality events, yet S. neurona is comparatively understudied. Little is known about the role of parasite genotype on the outcome of infection (fatal versus non-fatal) for S. neurona-infected sea otters. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of parasite genotype in addition to host and environmental factors (animal age, sex, location, and season of stranding) on disease outcome in S. neurona-infected sea otters. A multilocus sequence typing (MLST) approach was used

SUBMITTER: Sinnott DM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12741392 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature