Molecular Evidence of Sarcocystis Species Infecting Reptiles in Peninsular Malaysia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The genus Sarcocystis consists of intracellular coccidian protozoan parasites with the ability to invade muscle tissue and mature into sarcocysts, causing the zoonotic disease sarcocystosis. These parasites have an obligatory two-host life cycle, which correlates with prey-predator relationship. The distribution and prevalence of Sarcocystis in reptiles remains unclear, despite several previous reports. The aim of this study was to identify the genetic assemblage of the species of Sarcocystis infecting Malaysian snakes and lizards by screening stool samples.

Methods

Overall, 54 fecal samples of various snake species and four fecal samples of several lizard species in Malaysia were taken within the course of August 2015 to January 2016 from Ser

SUBMITTER: Mohd Fadil NF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7028226 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature