Sarcocystis neurona

Test code: X0004 - Ultrasensitive qualitative detection of Sarcocystis neurona by real time polymerase chain reaction

Sarcocystis neurona is a parasitic protozoan which is the most important cause of a serious neurological disease of horses called equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). S. neurona also causes EPM-like disease in other mammals including cats, mink, raccoons, skunks, sea otters and Pacific harbor seals ( Dubey et al., 2001). While the life cycle of S. neurona is not fully understood, it is known that opossums (Didelphis virginiana, D. albiventris) are its definitive hosts.

Recent studies from Michigan and Florida reported S. neurona antibodies in 5% of domestic cats based on Western blot analysis (Gillis et al., 2003; Rossano et al., 2002). This suggests a more widespread problem in domestic cats than was previously thought.

Serological detection of this parasite is not very sensitive and not very specific. Many infected cats are carriers and shed the sporocysts in their feces. Molecular detection by PCR can offer a rapid, sensitive and specific method for determining the infection status of an animal.

Utilities:

• Confirm the disease causing agent
• Shorten the time required to confirm a clinical diagnosis of S. neurona infection.
• Ensure that animal populations are free of S. neurona
• Early prevention of spread of this protozoan
• Minimize human exposure to this protozoan
• Safety monitoring of biological products that derive from host animals

References:
Dubey, J.P., Lindsay, D.S., Saville, W.J.A., Reed, S.M., Granstrom, D.E. and Speer, C.A. (2001) A review of Sarcocystis neurona and equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). Vet. Parasitol.. 95:89–131
Gillis, K.D., MacKay, R.J., Yowell, C.A., Levy, J.K., Greiner, E.C., Dame, J.B., Cheadle, M.A., Hernandez, J. and Massey, E.T. (2003) Naturally occurring Sarcocystis infection in domestic cats (Felis catus). Int. J. Parsitol. 33: 877–883.
Rossano, M.G., Murphy, A.J., Vrable, R.A., Vanzo, N.E., Lewis, S.K., Sheline, K.D., Kaneene, J.B. and Mansfield, L.S. (2002) Cross-sectional study of serum antibodies against Sarcocystis neurona in cats tested for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 221: 511–514.

Specimen requirements: 0.5 ml whole blood in EDTA (purple top) or ACD (yellow top) tube, or 1 ml feces, or 0.5 ml plasma or serum, or cerebrospinal fluid or tissue, shipped overnight at room temperature; or frozen tissue shipped frozen.

For specimen types other than those listed here, please call to confirm specimen acceptability and shipping instructions.

For all specimen types, if there will be a delay in shipping, or during very warm weather, refrigerate specimens until shipped and ship with a cold pack unless more stringent shipping requirements are specified. Frozen specimens should be shipped so as to remain frozen in transit. See shipping instructions for more information.

Turnaround time: 2 business days

Methodology: Qualitative real time PCR

Normal range: Nondetected