Zoonotic Sarcocystis

Authors: Rosenthal, Benjamin

Submitted to: Research in Veterinary Science
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/4/2021
Publication Date: 2/19/2021
Citation: Rosenthal, B.M. 2021. Zoonotic Sarcocystis. Research in Veterinary Science. 136:151-157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.02.008.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.02.008

Interpretive Summary: This review explains how people can contract foodborne sarcocystosis. Apicomplexan species in the genus Sarcocystis form tissue cysts, in their intermediate hosts. Intestinal sarcocystosis occurs when people consume raw or undercooked beef or pork infected with Sarcocystis hominis or S. suihominis, respectively. Those infections may cause mild enteritis, but most infections are thought to be asymptomatic. People also become dead-end (intermediate) hosts for non-human Sarcocystis spp. after accidentally ingesting oocysts, leading to muscular sarcocystosis. The clinical spectrum may range from asymptomatic muscle cysts to a severe, acute, eosinophilic myositis associated with systemic symptoms with peripheral eosinophilia. Most human cases have been described from Southeast Asia, but Sarcocystis parasites have a worldwide distribution, especially where livestock is raised, and human infections in other areas have been described but may be underrecognized. The information will benefit physicians, veterinarians, and those interested in controlling foodborne infections.

Technical Abstract: Apicomplexan species in the genus Sarcocystis form tissue cysts, in their intermediate hosts, similar to those established in chronic toxoplasmosis. Intestinal sarcocystosis occurs when people consume raw or undercooked beef or pork infected with Sarcocystis hominis or S. suihominis, respectively. Those infections may cause mild enteritis, but most infections are thought to be asymptomatic. People also become dead-end (intermediate) hosts for non-human Sarcocystis spp. after accidentally ingesting oocysts, leading to muscular sarcocystosis. The clinical spectrum may range from asymptomatic muscle cysts to a severe, acute, eosinophilic myositis associated with systemic symptoms with peripheral eosinophilia. Most human cases have been described from Southeast Asia, but Sarcocystis parasites have a worldwide distribution, especially where livestock is raised, and human infections in other areas have been described but may be underrecognized.