Spontaneous and experimental infection of domestic rabbits by Sarcocystis cuniculi Brumpt, 1913

In 43 animals, representing 36% of a sample of 117 domestic rabbits, antibodies to Sarcocystis were detected using indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Experimental transmission of the parasite from rabbit to cat and back to rabbit proved that the organism involved was Sarcocystis cuniculi Brumpt, 1913. The antibody response in experimental transmission was revealed by IFAT: the level of antibodies was generally low and the antibodies disappeared in less than 100 days p.i., while the parasites still remained viable in host's muscle tissue. The diagnosis of rabbit sarcosporidiosis in the definitive and intermediate hosts is discussed.