Reactivity against Sarcocystis neurona and Sarcocystis falcatula-like in horses from Southeastern and Midwestern Brazil

Author(s)

da Silva, Thiago Merighi Vieira ; De Santi, Mariele ; Goncalves, Luiz Ricardo ; Merino, Marcia Mariza Jusi ; Andre, Marcos Rogerio ; Machado, Rosangela Zacarias

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA; v. 32, n. 3, p. 7-pg., 2023-01-01.

Abstract

Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a neurological disease caused by Sarcocystis neurona. Immunofluorescence antibody tests (IFATs) have been widely used to identify exposure of horses to S. neurona in Brazil. Here we used IFAT to search for IgG antibodies against Sarcocystis falcatula-like (Dal-CG23) and S. neurona (SN138) in sera from 342 horses sampled in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul state (Midwestern), and Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo state (Southeastern), Brazil. The 1:25 cutoff value was chosen to maximize sensitivity of the test. IgG antibodies against S. neurona were detected in 239 horses (69.88%), whereas IgG antibodies against S. falcatula-like were detected in 177 horses (51.75%). Sera from 132 horses (38.59%) reacted against both isolates. Absence of reactivity was evidenced in 58/342 horses (16.95%). The lower cutoff used, and the presence of opossums infected with S. falcatula-like and Sarcocystis spp. in the regions where the horses were sampled, might justify the high seroprevalence observed here. Owing to the similarity among antigens targeted in immunoassays, reports on S. neurona-seropositive horses in Brazil may also derive from the exposure of horses to other Sarcocystis species. The role of other Sarcocystis species in causing neurological diseases in horses in Brazil remains unclear. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/08294-0 - Detection and molecular characterization of Sarcocystis spp. in Marsupials (Didelphis spp.) from Campo Grande, MS e São Paulo, SP, Brazil
• Grantee: Mariele de Santi
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 20/06817-2 - Serolological and molecular study about Sarcocystis spp. in horses and white-ear opossums (Didelphis albiventris) in the city of Campo Grande, MS - Brazil
• Grantee: Thiago Merighi Vieira da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 19/09915-8 - Detection and molecular characterization of Sarcocystis spp. in marsupials (Didelphis spp.) of Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul
• Grantee: Rosangela Zacarias Machado
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants