Prevalence of Sarcocystis sarcocysts in nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) from Florida. |
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Authors: | P M DeLucia M A Cheadle E C Greiner |
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Institution: | Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110880, Gainesville, FL 32611-0880, USA. |
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Abstract: | The prevalence and identity of Sarcocystis spp. sarcocysts in the skeletal muscles of nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) collected from Alachua County, FL, were determined. H & E stained sections of skeletal muscle from tongue and thigh were examined. Thirty nine of 63 (61.9%) armadillos examined contained Sarcocystis sarcocysts. Two species were identified, Sarcocystis dasypi and Sarcocystis diminuta. Sarcocystis dasypi sarcocysts were found in 38 of 63 (60.3%) and S. diminuta sarcocysts were found in 6 of 63 (9.5%). Sarcocysts of S. dasypi were larger, more densely packed with bradyzoites, and bradyzoites contained within the sarcocyst were smaller than those of S. diminuta. Mixed infections occurred in 5 of 63 (7.9%) armadillos examined. |
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