Molecular Evidence of Raccoon Dog <i>(Nyctereutes procyonoides</i>) as a Natural Definitive Host for Several <i>Sarcocystis</i> Species
<i>Sarcocystis</i> parasites infect a wide range of animals, including reptiles, birds, and mammals, and have complex two-host prey–predator life cycle. Sarcocysts are mainly found in the muscles of intermediate hosts, and oocysts sporulate in the intestines of the definitive host. The r...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Pathogens |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/14/3/288 |
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| Summary: | <i>Sarcocystis</i> parasites infect a wide range of animals, including reptiles, birds, and mammals, and have complex two-host prey–predator life cycle. Sarcocysts are mainly found in the muscles of intermediate hosts, and oocysts sporulate in the intestines of the definitive host. The raccoon dog (<i>Nyctereutes procyonoides</i>), native to Asia and invasive in Europe, is a known disease carrier. However, studies on raccoon dogs in the transmission of <i>Sarcocystis</i> are scarce. Between 2019 and 2024, a total of 26 raccoon dog carcasses were collected in Lithuania. The results of a light microscopy examination indicated that 50% of the samples were positive for <i>Sarcocystis</i> spp. sporocysts and sporulated oocysts. Based on nested PCR and sequencing of <i>cox1</i>, 88.5% of the samples were positive for these parasites. Molecular analysis revealed the presence of 11 different <i>Sarcocystis</i> species. Eight species, including <i>S. alces</i>, <i>S. capracanis</i>, <i>S. hjorti</i>, <i>S. iberica</i>, <i>S. linearis</i>, <i>S. morae</i>, <i>S. tenella</i>, and <i>S. venatoria</i> were reported for the first time in raccoon dogs as definitive hosts. The identified <i>Sarcocystis</i> species were linked to intermediate hosts, such as cervids, wild boars, pigs, goats, and sheep. These findings suggest that raccoon dogs play a key role in the spread of <i>Sarcocystis</i>, particularly species infecting cervids. |
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| ISSN: | 2076-0817 |