Related Experiment Videos
Human intestinal sarcosporidiosis: report of six cases
Abstract:
Specimens of resected small intestine from six patients aged 3 to 70 years with acute enteritis contained sexual forms of sarcosporidia. Histopathologically, the diagnoses were either segmental eosinophilic enteritis or segmental necrotizing enteritis. The presence of sarcosporidia in market beef (Bos indicus), and the patients' habit of eating the beef uncooked in the form of chili-hot dishes, suggest that the species is an ox-man parasite similar to Sarcocystis hominis (Railliet and Lucet, 1891) Dubey, 1976. Presence of numerous Gram-positive bacilli in segmental necrotizing enteritis suggests an interplay between two etiological agents in producing the hosts' inflammatory responses. Five patients recovered after resection, but one died due to extensive necrosis of the intestinal wall and leakage at the site of anastomosis. Only conventional antibiotics were given after the operations. None of the five surviving patients has had recurrent enteritis for at least 1 year.
Insights
Sarcosporidia infection from undercooked beef caused acute enteritis in patients. This ox-man parasite may interact with bacteria, leading to severe intestinal inflammation and necrosis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Human Gastroenterology
- Pathogen Discovery
Background:
- Acute enteritis is a significant cause of gastrointestinal distress.
- Sarcosporidia are protozoan parasites known to infect livestock.
- Consumption of raw or undercooked meat is a potential route for zoonotic transmission.
Observation:
- Sexual forms of sarcosporidia were identified in small intestine resections from six patients with acute enteritis.
- Histopathology revealed segmental eosinophilic or necrotizing enteritis.
- Patients consumed uncooked beef, suggesting a link to Sarcocystis hominis.
Findings:
- The study identified sarcosporidia in patients with acute enteritis, linking it to uncooked beef consumption.
- Gram-positive bacilli were abundant in necrotizing enteritis cases, suggesting a potential dual etiology.
- Surgical resection was effective for most patients, though one case resulted in mortality due to extensive necrosis.
Implications:
- This research highlights a potential zoonotic transmission of sarcosporidia from cattle to humans via uncooked beef.
- The findings suggest a possible synergistic role of bacteria in the pathogenesis of severe enteritis.
- Early diagnosis and surgical intervention may be crucial for managing severe cases of sarcosporidia-induced enteritis.