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