The Distribution of Sarcocsytis Species Described by Ungulates-Canids Life Cycle in Intestines of Small Predators of the Family Mustelidae

Abstract

PurposeUsing molecular techniques, we have previously shown that carnivorous mammals of the family Mustelidae might be common de nitive hosts for various protozoan Sarcocystis species. In the present study we aimed to unravel whether Sarcocystisspecies using ungulates as intermediate hosts and canids or felids as de nitive hosts can be found in intestine of mustelids. MethodsSmall intestine samples of 93 individual mustelids of ve different species from Lithuania were examined. Sarcocystis species were identi ed based on species-speci c PCR and subsequent cox1 sequencing. ResultsSix Sarcocystis species (S. arieticanis, S. bertrami, S. capracanis, S. capreolicanis, S. linearis and S. morae) de ned by ungulate-canid life cycle were detected for the rst time in small intestines of mustelids. By contrast, the prevalence of Sarcocystis characterised by ungulate-felid life cycle was low (3.2 %). Overall, 76 % of the examined animals were positive for at least one of the studied Sarcocystis species. Four species, S. arieticanis, S. bertrami, S. capracanis and S. moraewere most commonly found, with the detection rate of about 40 %. ConclusionsCurrent nding, in addition to our previous studies, suggests that mustelids play an important role in the spread of various Sarcocystisspecies.

Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) as potential spreaders of Sarcocystis species

“…The red fox and raccoon dog are one of the most widespread and invasive wild terrestrial carnivores that have been involved in the life cycle of Sarcocystis as either intermediate or definitive hosts ( 37–40 ). In the present case, the red fox might serve as definitive host of five Sarcocystis spp., which use farmed animals (e.g., sheep, cattle, pig/wild boar, and goat) as intermediate hosts ( 41 , 42 ).…”