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Sarcocystis sp. meningoencephalitis in a captive bobcat
Elizabeth S Majette1, Eliza Baker1, Erica E Evans1
1University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, TN, USA.
Summary
A bobcat diagnosed with meningoencephalitis was found to have Sarcocystis infection. This case highlights the challenges in identifying Sarcocystis species in routine diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Parasitology
- Wildlife Disease
Background:
- Sarcocystis species are protozoan parasites that can cause central nervous system (CNS) disease.
- CNS Sarcocystis infections are rarely reported in felids.
- This is the first reported case of Sarcocystis-associated CNS disease in a bobcat.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of Sarcocystis-induced meningoencephalitis in a bobcat.
- To characterize the Sarcocystis species involved using molecular methods.
- To discuss the diagnostic challenges of Sarcocystis identification in wildlife.
Main Methods:
- Histopathological examination of brain tissue.
- Immunohistochemistry using anti-Sarcocystis neurona antibodies.
- PCR amplification and sequencing of the ITS and 18S rRNA gene regions.
Main Results:
- Histopathology revealed meningoencephalitis with intralesional apicomplexan organisms.
- Immunohistochemistry suggested Sarcocystis neurona infection.
- Molecular analysis indicated high similarity to Sarcocystis dasypi, S. neurona, and S. speeri, highlighting identification challenges.
Conclusions:
- Sarcocystis species can cause fatal CNS disease in bobcats.
- Accurate species-level identification of Sarcocystis in routine diagnostics can be challenging.
- Further research is needed to understand the prevalence and pathogenicity of Sarcocystis in bobcats.
