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Sarcocystosis in a stillborn lamb
1Department of Large Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
Reproduction in Domestic Animals = Zuchthygiene
|September 16, 2014
Summary
Congenital sarcocystosis in lambs is rare. This study diagnosed the condition in a stillborn lamb, revealing severe central nervous system and placental damage caused by Sarcocystis tenella.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Parasitology
- Protozoology
Background:
- Congenital sarcocystosis is an exceptionally rare condition in domestic ruminants.
- Sarcocystis species are protozoan parasites that can cause disease in livestock.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report and characterize a rare case of congenital sarcocystosis in a domestic ruminant.
- To identify the Sarcocystis species responsible for the observed pathology.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy and histopathological examination of a stillborn lamb and its placenta.
- Microscopic identification of protozoan parasites (schizonts) within host tissues.
Main Results:
- The stillborn lamb exhibited significant lesions in the central nervous system (encephalitis) and placenta.
- Histopathology revealed glial nodules, necrosis, inflammation, and vascular changes in the brain.
- Placental lesions included multifocal necroses, inflammation, and calcification.
- Immature and mature schizonts were identified in the vascular endothelium of multiple organs.
Conclusions:
- The findings confirm a rare case of congenital sarcocystosis in a lamb.
- Based on morphology and location, the protozoan parasite is suggested to be Sarcocystis tenella, a known pathogen of sheep.
- This case highlights the potential severity of congenital Sarcocystis infections.
