Identification and characterization of Sarcocystis lutrae-like (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) in terrestrial mustelids and viverrid in Taiwan.

Sarcocystis spp. are protist parasites with strict two-host life cycle and ubiquitous existence. Predatory animals usually serve as the final host of Sarcocystis and their preys serve the intermediate host of the parasite. In this study, we reported a Sarocycstis species infecting muscle of three species of carnivores in the mountain of Taiwan, two mustelids and one viverrid. These animals are Formosan ferret badger (Melogale moschata subaurantiaca), Formosan yellow-throated marten (Martes flavigula chrysospila), and gem-faced civet (Paguma larvata taivana). It was characterized and described by histopathological, transmission electron microscopic and molecular techniques. Five loci were characterized, including 18S rRNA gene, 28S rRNA gene, ITS1 region, mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene (COXI) and RNA polymerase gene (rpoB). Genetic analysis showed that the three carnivores host one Sarcocystis species. Based on four genetic loci and by microscopical analysis, the discovered Sarcocystis could not be differentiated from S. lurae. Based on ITS1, however, newly detected parasite showed only up to 92.9% similarity with S. lutrae. The discovered species was provisionally named Sarcocystis lutrae-like. Further examination expanding regional areas and carnivore host should be included to resolved current taxonomical issue. It is the first report of Sarcocystis infection in small carnivores in Taiwan, the first report of parasite morphologically and genetically similar to S. lutrae in Southeast Asia, and the first time discovered in viverrid animals.