First report of Sarcocystis bovifelis-like sporocysts in the intestine of the Canadian lynx (Lynx canadensis) in USA

IF 1.6 Q3 PARASITOLOGY

Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports Pub Date : 2026-01-01 Epub Date: 2025-12-06 DOI:10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101397

Aditya Gupta , Carolin Humpal , Michelle Carstensen , Benjamin M. Rosenthal , Jitender P. Dubey

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Abstract

Sarcocystis bovifelis is a cattle parasite for which the domestic cat (Felis catus) is the only confirmed definitive host, and the role of wild felids in its transmission remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the presence and identity of Sarcocystis species in the intestinal tissue of a dead Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) from Minnesota, USA, to assess whether this wild felid could serve as a definitive host. Approximately 30 cm of terminal ileum was examined microscopically for sporocysts, and DNA from sporocyst-positive material was assayed using 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA gene markers. Microscopy revealed the presence of Sarcocystis sporocysts, and BLAST analysis of both genetic loci showed 100 % identity with published S. bovifelis sequences. Because only two partial ribosomal markers were available, these results provide strong but not absolute evidence of a S. bovifelis-like parasite. These findings provide the first molecular indication of a S. bovifelis-like parasite in a Canada lynx and suggest, rather than confirm, that wild felids may participate in the natural transmission cycle of this species in the USA. Further studies involving additional wild hosts and broader geographic sampling are needed to confirm prevalence and clarify transmission pathways. This is also the first confirmation of S. bovifelis definitive host in the USA.

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在美国首次报道在加拿大猞猁（lynx canadensis）的肠道中发现牛乳肉囊菌样孢子囊

牛肉囊虫是一种牛寄生虫，家猫是其唯一确认的最终宿主，野生猫科动物在其传播中的作用尚不清楚。本研究旨在调查美国明尼苏达州死亡的加拿大猞猁（lynx canadensis）肠道组织中肉囊菌的存在和种类，以评估该野生猫科动物是否可以作为最终宿主。显微镜检查回肠末端约30 cm处是否有孢子囊，并使用18S rRNA和28S rRNA基因标记检测孢子囊阳性物质的DNA。显微镜检查显示存在肉囊菌孢子囊，BLAST分析显示两个基因位点与已发表的S. bovifelis序列100%一致。由于只有两个部分核糖体标记物可用，这些结果提供了强有力的证据，但不是绝对的证据，表明存在一种类似牛链球菌的寄生虫。这些发现首次提供了在加拿大猞猁身上发现一种类似牛链球菌的寄生虫的分子迹象，并表明，而不是证实，野生猫科动物可能参与了该物种在美国的自然传播周期。需要开展涉及更多野生宿主和更广泛地理采样的进一步研究，以确认流行情况并澄清传播途径。这也是美国首次确认牛链球菌最终宿主。

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来源期刊

Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports Multiple-

CiteScore

2.90

自引率

7.10%

发文量

126

审稿时长

97 days

期刊介绍： Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports focuses on aspects of veterinary parasitology that are of regional concern, which is especially important in this era of climate change and the rapid and often unconstrained travel of people and animals. Relative to regions, this journal will accept papers of the highest quality dealing with all aspects of disease prevention, pathology, treatment, epidemiology, and control of parasites within the field of veterinary medicine. Also, case reports will be considered as they add to information related to local disease and its control; such papers must be concise and represent appropriate medical intervention. Papers on veterinary parasitology from wildlife species are acceptable, but only if they relate to the practice of veterinary medicine. Studies on vector-borne bacterial and viral agents are suitable, but only if the paper deals with vector transmission of these organisms to domesticated animals. Studies dealing with parasite control by means of natural products, both in vivo and in vitro, are more suited for one of the many journals that now specialize in papers of this type. However, due to the regional nature of much of this research, submissions may be considered based upon a case being made by the author(s) to the Editor. Circumstances relating to animal experimentation must meet the International Guiding Principles for Biomedical Research Involving Animals as issued by the Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences (obtainable from: Executive Secretary C.I.O.M.S., c/o W.H.O., Via Appia, CH-1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland).