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Development of Sarcocystis suicanis Erber, 1977 in the pig
Abstract:
Twenty-eight weanling pigs inoculated with sporocysts from an isolate of Sarcocystis suicanis from Georgia were examined at intervals ranging from 2 to 90 days postinoculation (DPI). Merogony was first observed histologically within the heart muscle 12 DPI and within 23 of 35 tissues examined 13 DPI. Most infected cells were "floating" in extravascular spaces and were near intact endothelial cells. In some cases, the infected cell clearly was an endothelial cell comprising a portion of the capillary wall. Immature sarcocysts containing metrocytes were observed in striated muscle 27 DPI, and bradyzoites were detected by digestion techniques 52 DPI. Sarcocysts matured between 27 and 80 DPI, after which thickness of the cyst wall and morphology of bradyzoites changed little. Dissolution of sarcocysts was detected as early as 38 DPI and was accompanied by ingress of plasma cells, lymphocytes, and occasionally, eosinophils. Based on information presented herein, feeder pigs reared on pasture may become infected, and infections mature well within the 100-day period usually considered necessary for production of marketable swine.
Insights
Sarcocystis suicanis infections in pigs develop rapidly, with merogony observed as early as 12 days postinoculation. These findings indicate that infections can mature within the typical 100-day production cycle, impacting swine farming.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Swine Health
- Protozoan Infections
Background:
- Sarcocystis suicanis is an important protozoan parasite affecting swine.
- Understanding the infection dynamics is crucial for managing its impact on pork production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the prepatent period and development of Sarcocystis suicanis in weanling pigs.
- To determine if infections mature within the typical swine production cycle.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-eight weanling pigs were inoculated with Sarcocystis suicanis sporocysts.
- Tissues were examined histologically and via digestion techniques at intervals from 2 to 90 days postinoculation (DPI).
Main Results:
- Merogony was observed as early as 12 DPI in heart muscle and 13 DPI in other tissues.
- Immature sarcocysts were found at 27 DPI, with mature bradyzoites detected by 52 DPI.
- Sarcocyst dissolution began at 38 DPI, with immune cell infiltration.
Conclusions:
- Sarcocystis suicanis infections mature within the 100-day production period for market swine.
- Feeder pigs on pasture are susceptible to infection, with implications for food safety and animal health.