Risk factors associated with the presence of Sarcocystis neurona sporocysts in opossums (Didelphis virginiana).
Abstract: Sarcocystis neurona is the most important cause of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) in horse in the Americas. The only known definitive host for this parasite in the United States is the opossum (Didelphis virginiana); however, despite the importance of the disease, the epidemiology of the parasite in the definitive host is poorly understood. To begin addressing these data gaps, potential risk factors were evaluated for their association with the presence of sporocysts of S. neurona in opossums live-trapped in March 1999 and November 1999 to May 2000. Sporocysts of S. neurona were found in 19 of the 72 animals examined. Potential risk factors evaluated were locality, trap date, age, gender, the presence of young in the pouch of females, and body condition score. Variables that were associated with the presence of S. neurona sporocysts were used in logistic regression analysis. Of the factors examined, season and body condition score were associated with increased odds of an animal harboring sporocysts.
Publication Date: 2002-01-05 PubMed ID: 11777597DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4017(01)00549-0Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This research article investigates the risk factors linked to the presence of Sarcocystis neurona sporocysts in opossums, a type of parasite that causes equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) in horses. The findings indicate that the season and body condition score of the opossums were significantly associated with the presence of these parasites.
Detailed Explanation
Objective of the Study
- This research was conducted to understand the epidemiology of Sarcocystis neurona, a parasite that causes equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) in horses, within its definitive host, the opossum (Didelphis virginiana).
- The study aims to identify potential risk factors that are associated with the presence of S. neurona sporocysts (infectious cells of the parasite) in these opossums.
Methodology
- Opossums were live-trapped between March 1999 and May 2000 and examined for the presence of S. neurona sporocysts.
- The researchers collected data related to various potential risk factors, including the location where each opossum was trapped, date of trapping, age, gender, the presence of young in females’ pouches, and the body condition score (a measure of an animal’s healthiness and nutritional status).
- These factors were then statistically analyzed using logistic regression to identify any potential associations with the presence of the parasite.
Key Findings
- Out of 72 opossums examined, 19 were found to have S. neurona sporocysts, indicating a substantial rate of parasite presence.
- The regression analysis showed that the season in which the opossums were trapped and their body condition scores were significantly associated with the chances of harboring sporocysts.
- This suggests that these two factors may play a critical role in the epidemiology of the S. neurona parasite.
Public Health Implications
- The findings from this study highlight the potential risk factors for the proliferation of a parasite that causes a serious disease in horses.
- This information can be used to develop strategies for controlling and managing the spread of this parasitic disease. For instance, extra caution could be taken during certain seasons and for opossums in poor body conditions.
Cite This Article
APA
Rickard LG, Black SS, Rashmir-Raven A, Hurst G, Dubey JP.
(2002).
Risk factors associated with the presence of Sarcocystis neurona sporocysts in opossums (Didelphis virginiana).
Vet Parasitol, 102(3), 179-184.
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0304-4017(01)00549-0 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, P.O. Box 9825, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA. ballweber@cvm.msstate.edu
MeSH Terms
- Age Factors
- Animals
- Central Nervous System Protozoal Infections / epidemiology
- Central Nervous System Protozoal Infections / etiology
- Central Nervous System Protozoal Infections / veterinary
- Disease Reservoirs
- Female
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horse Diseases / etiology
- Horses
- Male
- Mississippi / epidemiology
- Odds Ratio
- Opossums / parasitology
- Risk Factors
- Sarcocystis / isolation & purification
- Sarcocystosis / epidemiology
- Sarcocystosis / etiology
- Sarcocystosis / veterinary
- Seasons
- Sex Factors
- Spores
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Dubey JP, Howe DK, Furr M, Saville WJ, Marsh AE, Reed SM, Grigg ME. An update on Sarcocystis neurona infections in animals and equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). Vet Parasitol 2015 Apr 15;209(1-2):1-42.
- Elsheikha HM, Murphy AJ, Mansfield LS. Prevalence of Sarcocystis species sporocysts in Northern Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana). Parasitol Res 2004 Aug;93(5):427-31.
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