Sarcocystis bertrami in skeletal muscles of donkeys (Equus africanus asinus) from Southern Italy.

The study reported the detection of the protozoal parasite, Sarcocystis bertrami, in donkeys from southern Italy, describing its structure and assessing its potential risk to human health, based on the consumption of raw or insufficiently cooked donkey meat.

Introduction and Research Aims

• The research aimed to investigate the prevalence and structural characteristics of the parasite, Sarcocystis bertrami, in donkeys of southern Italy. Sarcocystis bertrami, a member of the protozoa genus Sarcocystis, is an obligatory intracellular parasite primarily of horses and donkeys.
• The study additionally sought to assess the potential human health risks associated with the ingestion of this parasite, given the region’s customs of consuming raw donkey meat.

Methodology

• To conduct the investigation, skeletal muscles of 140 donkeys were examined using both light microscopy (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These techniques allowed for a detailed examination and description of the parasite’s structure and general physical characteristics.

Findings

• Sarcocystis bertrami was detected in the skeletal muscles of 40 donkeys, indicating a prevalence of 28.57%. The detection was achieved morphologically (by observing the characteristics and structures of the organism under the microscope) and molecularly.
• Mature cysts of S. bertrami were recorded, measuring 31-102 μm long and 19-83 μm wide with a radially striated thick cyst wall. These measurements and characteristics are crucial for the identification of the parasite.
• The researchers made the hypothesis that the high prevalence of S. bertrami found in the donkeys might be due to contamination from dogs, the known definitive hosts of S. bertrami. Dogs can contaminate the environment with sporocysts, a form of the parasite that is resistant to environmental conditions.

Potential Risks and Implications

• Since the customs of the region include the consumption of raw donkey meat, the results of the study also pose a potential risk for humans. If the meat is infected with S. bertrami and is consumed without sufficient cooking, humans may become infected with the parasite.
• Further research is needed to understand the exact risks to human health and potential preventative measures. This discovery serves as a cautionary warning about the possible dangers of consuming raw or improperly cooked meat.