Molecular identification of Sarcocystis aucheniae in the wild South American camelid Vicugna vicugna
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.This study confirms Sarcocystis aucheniae infection in vicuñas, a wild South American camelid. This finding establishes vicuñas as intermediate hosts for this parasite, previously unknown in this species.
Area Of Science
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Wildlife Health
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background
- Vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna) are protected wild South American camelids (SACs) in Argentina.
- Pathogen information for vicuñas is limited.
- Sarcocystis aucheniae causes SAC sarcocystosis in llamas, alpacas, and guanacos, but its presence in vicuñas was unconfirmed.
Purpose Of The Study
- To investigate the presence of Sarcocystis sp. infection in a deceased vicuña.
- To identify the specific Sarcocystis species and its role in vicuñas.
Main Methods
- Necropsy of an adult vicuña from Salta, Argentina.
- Macroscopic examination of muscular tissue for sarcocysts.
- Molecular analysis using 18S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox-1) gene sequencing.
- Phylogenetic tree construction and BLAST searches for species identification.
Main Results
- Macroscopic cysts compatible with Sarcocystis aucheniae were identified in the neck and diaphragm muscles.
- Genetic analysis confirmed the causative agent as Sarcocystis aucheniae.
- This is the first report of S. aucheniae infection in vicuñas, identifying them as intermediate hosts.
Conclusions
- Vicuñas serve as intermediate hosts for Sarcocystis aucheniae.
- Novel cox-1 gene sequences for S. aucheniae from all four SAC species were generated.
- The cox-1 marker shows potential for genotypifying S. aucheniae isolates.
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