wildlife and zoo assay data sheet
Sarcocystis screen
Test code:
X0042 - Ultrasensitive qualitative screen for Sarcocystis
species
by real time PCR
Sarcocystis is a genus of
intracellular protozoan parasites that infect the muscles and
other tissues of various animals, including mammals, birds, and
reptiles, often forming cysts. These parasites have a complex
life cycle that involves two hosts: a definitive host (usually a
carnivore) where sexual reproduction occurs in the intestine,
and an intermediate host (often an herbivore) where asexual
reproduction happens in the muscles, leading to the formation of
sarcocysts—cyst-like structures filled with parasites. These
parasites are widespread globally, especially in tropical and
subtropical regions, and were first described in 1843.
Sarcocystis species
include S. neurona, S.
hominis, S. suihominis, S. cruzi, and others
In animals, infections are often asymptomatic. Most human cases are mild
or asymptomatic, but may include diarrhea, fever, and vomiting
in intestinal infections, or muscle pain, swelling, and fever in
muscular infections. Diagnosis involves microscopic examination
of stool or tissue samples. Prevention focuses on thoroughly
cooking meat to at least 160°F (71°C) for beef/pork and 165°F
(74°C) for poultry, using clean water sources, and practicing
good hygiene like handwashing.
Microscopy and/or serological detection have been used to diagnose
Sarcocystis infection,
but these methods have low sensitivity and specificity.
Polymerase chain reaction is often used to detect this parasite
due to its higher sensitivity and specificity (Stojecki et al.,
2012).
Utilities:
-
Help confirm the disease causing agent
-
Shorten the time required to confirm a clinical
diagnosis of
Sarcocystis infection
-
Help ensure that herds are free of
Sarcocystis
-
Early prevention of spread of
Sarcocystis between animal species
-
Minimize human exposure to
Sarcocystis
References:
Stojecki K, Karamon J, Sroka J, Cencek T. Molecular diagnostics of
Sarcocystis spp.
infections. Pol J Vet Sci. 2012;15(3):589-96. doi:
10.2478/v10181-012-0090-7. PMID: 23214385.
Specimen requirement:
2 ml of feces; or rectal swab; or 0.2 ml EDTA whole blood;
or 0.2 ml fresh, frozen or fixed tissue or culture.
Contact Zoologix if advice is needed to determine an appropriate specimen type for a specific diagnostic application. For specimen types not listed here, please contact Zoologix 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
