Sarcocystis Flashcards
How are sarcocystis spp. classified and what is their life cycle?
Cyst-forming coccidia. Life cycle is indirect.
How many final and intermediate hosts does one sp. have?
Just one final host and one intermediate host.
Why are the faeces from an infected animal particularly potent at causing an infection in the intermediate host?
They are secreted over long periods of time and are sporulated as they are passed. Therefore, “naked sporocysts” are secreted into the environment and these are instantly infective.
Where does gamatogeny and asexual division occur?
Gametogeny occurs in the gastro-intestinal epithelium of the final host and asexual division occurs in the endothelium of the intermediate host.
What is the PPP in the final and intermediate hosts?
Final = 1-2 weeks (patency is 1-3 months) Intermediate = 2-3 months to develop into a mature muscle cyst.
What is the veterinary significance of sarcocystis infection?
Most cases are asymptomatic.
Acute disease can result in severe acute pyrexia.
Main significance is meat condemnation.
What can Sarcocystis neurona cause?
Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis - causing a necrotising encephalomyelitis. Most cases are asymptomatic, however. Clinicla signs are often ataxia and paresis.
