Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
First molecular characterization of Sarcocystis neurona causing meningoencephalitis in a domestic cat in Brazil.
- Journal:
- Parasitology research
- Year:
- 2020
- Authors:
- Hammerschmitt, Márcia Elisa et al.
- Affiliation:
- Setor de Patologia Veteriná · Brazil
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This study reports on a domestic cat in Brazil that sadly died from a brain infection caused by a parasite called Sarcocystis neurona. While this parasite is mostly known for affecting horses, it can also cause serious neurological issues in other animals, including cats. Researchers found specific genetic markers of the parasite in the cat's tissues, which were different from those seen in other parts of the Americas, suggesting that the strain in Brazil might be unique. They also noted that this strain is similar to one found in opossums in Brazil, indicating a possible local transmission route. Overall, the findings highlight the need for further research to understand this parasite's variations and their effects on different animals.
Abstract
Sarcocystis neurona is the main agent associated with equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). Apart from horses, S. neurona has been occasionally described causing neurologic disease in several other terrestrial animals as well as mortality in marine mammals. Herein, we describe the clinical, pathological, and molecular findings of a fatal case of S. neurona-associated meningoencephalitis in a domestic cat. The causing agent was analyzed by multilocus genotyping, confirming the presence of S. neurona DNA in the tissue samples of the affected animal. Significant molecular differences were found in relation to S. neurona isolates detected in other regions of the Americas. In addition, the parasite was identical to Sarcocystis sp. identified in opossum sporocysts in Brazil at molecular level, which suggests that transmission of. S. neurona in Brazil might involve variants of the parasite different from those found elsewhere in the Americas. Studies including more samples of S. neurona would be required to test this hypothesis, as well as to assess the impact of this diversity.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31901995/