MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF SARCOCYSTIS SPOROCYSTS IN INTESTINES OF BOBCAT (LYNX RUFUS) FROM MINNESOTA.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Wildlife Disease Ecology
• Molecular Epidemiology

Background:

• Sarcocystis species are significant protozoan parasites impacting animal health and potentially public health.
• The role of wild carnivores, such as bobcats (Lynx rufus), in Sarcocystis transmission cycles is not well-defined.
• Understanding definitive host involvement is crucial for managing parasite transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate Sarcocystis infections in bobcats from Minnesota.
• To molecularly characterize Sarcocystis species found in bobcats.
• To determine if bobcats act as definitive hosts for Sarcocystis species relevant to livestock and public health.

Main Methods:

• Microscopic examination of bobcat intestinal homogenates for Sarcocystis sporocysts.
• DNA extraction from positive samples for molecular analysis.
• PCR amplification and sequencing of partial 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, and mitochondrial COI gene markers.
• Phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial COI sequences.

Main Results:

• Sarcocystis sporocysts were detected in 21.2% of bobcats examined.
• Molecular characterization identified Sarcocystis bovifelis and Sarcocystis svanai-like species.
• Phylogenetic analysis of COI sequences strongly supported the identification of these species.
• Bobcats were confirmed as definitive hosts for these Sarcocystis species.

Conclusions:

• Bobcats in Minnesota are natural definitive hosts for Sarcocystis bovifelis and Sarcocystis svanai-like.
• This research enhances understanding of Sarcocystis transmission dynamics in wildlife.
• Findings contribute to the ecological knowledge of Sarcocystis parasites and their hosts.