Molecular identification of Sarcocystis halieti in the muscles of two species of birds of prey from Spain.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Members of the genus Sarcocystis are protozoan parasites characterized by a prey-predator two-host life-cycle. Sarcocysts are formed in the muscles or central nervous system of the intermediate host (IH), while sporocysts develop in the small intestine of the definitive host (DH). Various birds of prey have been confirmed to be DH for Sarcocystis spp. Three Sarcocystis species, S. wobeseri, S. halieti and S. falcatula, have been identified in the muscles of birds of prey, of which the latter are known to be pathogenic and can cause encephalitis in various birds. The aim of this study was to identify Sarcocystis spp. in the muscles of birds of prey from Spain.

Methods

Between 2019 and 2020, muscle tissue samples taken from 59 birds of prey admitted to the Wildlife

SUBMITTER: Prakas P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8375183 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature