Human infections with Sarcocystis species

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Infectious Diseases
• Tropical Medicine

Background:

• Sarcocystosis is a parasitic disease with two-host life cycles, humans can be definitive or intermediate hosts.
• Recurrent outbreaks of muscular sarcocystosis in tourists highlight its growing public health significance.
• Human infections occur through undercooked meat (intestinal) or contaminated food/water (muscular).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of human sarcocystosis.
• To emphasize the challenges in diagnosing and treating muscular sarcocystosis.
• To discuss prevention strategies for sarcocystosis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of sarcocystosis in humans.
• Analysis of clinical cases and diagnostic approaches.
• Summary of current treatment and prevention recommendations.

Main Results:

• Two species cause intestinal sarcocystosis in humans (Sarcocystis hominis, Sarcocystis suihominis) from beef and pork, respectively.
• Sarcocystis nesbitti causes muscular sarcocystosis, with early vascular endothelium involvement and later myositis.
• Diagnosis relies on travel history, serological markers (eosinophilia, elevated enzymes), and muscle biopsy confirmation.
• No vaccine or definitive antiparasitic drug exists; anti-inflammatories may alleviate symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Sarcocystosis, once rare, is a significant emerging parasitic disease in humans.
• Muscular sarcocystosis presents diagnostic challenges, often requiring invasive procedures.
• Effective prevention strategies are crucial due to the lack of specific treatments.