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Systemic sarcocystosis in a wild turkey from Georgia
J P Dubey1, C F Quist, D L Fritz
1Parasite Biology and Epidemiology Laboratory, Livestock and Poultry Sciences Institute, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350, USA.
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
|November 21, 2000
Summary
Acute sarcocystosis was diagnosed in a wild turkey with severe inflammatory lesions in its heart, lungs, and liver. This finding highlights the impact of Sarcocystis sp. in avian wildlife.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Parasitology
- Wildlife Disease
Background:
- Sarcocystosis is a parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Sarcocystis.
- Wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) can serve as hosts for various Sarcocystis species.
- Understanding Sarcocystis infections in wildlife is crucial for ecological and health assessments.
Observation:
- An adult female wild turkey from Georgia, USA, exhibited severe inflammatory lesions.
- Lesions were observed in the heart, lung, and liver tissues.
- Protozoal schizonts and merozoites were associated with these inflammatory sites.
Findings:
- The causative protozoa were identified as Sarcocystis sp. based on morphology and antigenicity.
- Key characteristics included endopolygeny and the absence of rhoptries in merozoites.
- Immunological assays differentiated the isolate, reacting to anti-S. cruzi antibodies but not anti-S. falcatula antibodies.
Implications:
- This case contributes to the understanding of Sarcocystis epidemiology in North American wild turkeys.
- The specific identification aids in differentiating Sarcocystis species affecting avian hosts.
- Further research may elucidate transmission cycles and host-parasite interactions in wildlife.