Root cause for infected feline teeth!

Sarcocystis neurona is known as a parasite associated with equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). In the recent past, domestic cats have been identified as potential intermediate hosts in the life cycle of S. neurona.

Turay et al at the college of veterinary medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia have carried out a study to test if cats have antibodies that react to S. neurona antigens similar to antibodies from horses with EPM.

In their study, of 9 feral cats used for analysis, only one was found to have antibodies that reacted to S. neurona antigens. In the present study, the investigators fed infected muscle from the cat, which had detectable sarcocysts in the tongue, to an opossum (Didelphis virginiana). The opossum shed sporocysts, then fed to gamma-interferon receptor knockout mice.

Studies carried out by histopathology, immunohistochemistry, parasite isolation and molecular analysis have shown the presence of the parasites in mice. Based on their observations, Turay et al conclude that the domestic cat can serve as an intermediate host to S. neurona or a S. neurona-like organism.

Reference for further reading:
Parasitol Res 2002 Jan;88(1):38-43. Sarcocystis neurona reacting antibodies in Missouri feral domestic cats (Felis domesticus) and their role as an intermediate host. Turay HO, Barr BC, Caldwell A, Branson KR, Cockrell MK, Marsh AE. College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211, USA.