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Chronic Sarcocystis infections in slaughtered cattle
M Saito1, K Mizusawa, H Itagaki
1Meat Inspection Center Saitama Prefecture, Japan.
The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science
|October 1, 1993
Summary
Chronic sarcocystiasis was diagnosed in cattle presenting with muscle nodules. Immunohistochemistry confirmed Sarcocystis cruzi as the cause, despite cysts not being found within the nodules themselves.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Parasitology
- Immunohistochemistry
Background:
- Sarcocystis species are protozoan parasites that infect livestock, including cattle.
- Muscle sarcocystosis can manifest with macroscopic or microscopic lesions, impacting meat quality and potentially posing a food safety concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the etiology of muscular nodules in three cattle.
- To characterize the pathological findings associated with these lesions using parasitological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical methods.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy examination of slaughtered cattle with visible muscle nodules.
- Histopathological analysis of nodule tissues to identify cellular composition and parasitic structures.
- Immunohistochemical staining using anti-Sarcocystis cruzi serum to detect parasite antigens.
Main Results:
- Multiple yellowish-green, rice-grain sized nodules with cheesy contents were observed in the striated muscles of all examined cattle.
- Histopathology revealed granulomas composed primarily of eosinophils.
- While Sarcocystis cysts and bradyzoites were absent within the nodules, intact sarcocysts were found in adjacent normal tissues.
- Immunohistochemistry showed strong positive reactions against anti-Sarcocystis cruzi serum in the central necrotic areas of the nodules.
Conclusions:
- The findings support a diagnosis of chronic sarcocystiasis in the affected cattle.
- Sarcocystis cruzi is identified as the causative agent, with lesions characterized by granulomatous inflammation and necrosis.
- The study highlights the utility of immunohistochemistry in diagnosing sarcocystiasis, especially when parasitic stages are not readily apparent within the primary lesions.