Serological investigation on Sarcocystis spp. infection and associated risk factors in South American camelids in Italy.

ABSTRACT: Protozoa of the genus Sarcocystis have an obligate two-host-prey-predator life cycle, in which South American Camelids (SAC) are among the intermediate hosts for certain species. Sarcocystis spp. infection has been well documented in SAC in endemic areas of the South America, while data from Europe are absent. This study assessed the seroprevalence of Sarcocystis spp. in SAC in Italy investigating related risk factors. A total of 506 SAC sera (486 alpacas and 20 llamas) from 38 sampling sites were analysed to detect antibodies to Sarcocystis spp. using the Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT). A seropositivity of 15.2% (77/506) was found, corresponding to 14.4% (70/486) in alpacas and 35.0% in llamas (7/20). Risk factor analysis showed that Sarcocystis spp. seropositivity increased wi

SUBMITTER: Castaldo E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12963157 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature