Molecular Identification of Sarcocystis rileyi and Sarcocystis sp. (Closely Related to Sarcocystis wenzeli ) in Intestines of Mustelids from Lithuania

The genus is a group of numerous protozoan parasites having a two-host life cycle. Based on laboratory experiments and/or phylogenetic analysis results it was shown that seven spp. producing sarcocsyts in bird tissues are transmitted via predatory placental mammals. To date the role of small mammals of the family Mustelidae in the distribution of avian spp. have not been studied. During the current investigation, intestinal mucosa scrapings of 115 mustelids belonging to five species were tested for , , and infecting anseriforms and chickens. Microscopically, free sporocysts, sporulating oocysts, and loose oocysts were found in 61 samples (53.0%). Using nested PCR targeting the region and sequencing, . was confirmed in eight American minks, two European polecats and single European badger. sp. was identified in one American mink and one European pine marten. Based on the partial region this parasite showed that 100% identity to pathogenic sp. caused a fatal infection in backyard chickens from Brazil. Phylogenetically, the sp. identified in our study was most closely related to . parasitising domestic fowl ( ).