First check for Sarcocystis spp. in Didelphis albiventris ("black weasel") in Uruguay

Abstract

The «comadreja mora» (Didelphis albiventris) is the definitive host, for South America, of Sarcocystis neurona, causative agent of the equine protozoal myeloencephalitis. This disease has been diagnosed in several countries of the region, suspecting its presence in Uruguay, due to the occurrence of several neurological episodes in horses, from the 2002 to the date. The objective of the present study is to determine the presence of Sarcocystis spp. sporocysts in the «comadreja mora». A parasitary necropsys is practiced to 3 picked dead opossums, in April and June 2005. Mucose scrapings are practiced in the small intestine, which are, afterwards, homogenized in a blender with 100 ml of distillated water. The homogenate is examined under the optical microscope (400X). In one of the three opossum sorne oocysts are observed containing 2 sporocysts, and a large number of free sporocysts, which are measured with an ocular micrometer. The mean for the greater diameter is 14,67μ ±1,35μ (10,52-15,78μ), and for the minor diameter is 9,88μ±0,97μ (7,89-12,62μ). Is concluded that these structures belong to Sarcocystis spp. sporocysts, being this, its first verification in Didelphis albiventris in Uruguay. To determine the acting specie, is suggested its isolation and identification, through molecular techniques.