Identification of Sarcocystis sp. in Dendrocygna autumnalis in Sinaloa, Mexico.

Abstract

Protozoa of the genus Sarcocystis are widely distributed among various bird species, causing infections of varying frequency (Dubey and Speer, 1989; Dubey, 2003). The lesions caused by these parasites impact the host's motor ability by inducing muscle damage. To understand Sarcocystis sp. infection in Sinaloa, 124 specimens of Dendrocygna autumnalis, donated by the Association of Hunting Organizers and Guides of the State of Sinaloa during the 2013 winter season, were analyzed. Cysts were identified in two individuals, with morphological characteristics compatible with Sarcocystis sp. Histopathological analysis revealed intracellular cysts with associated muscle damage, characterized by fiber atrophy, focal necrosis, and a multifocal inflammatory infiltrate composed of mononuclear cells. These findings constitute preliminary evidence of Sarcocystis spp. infection in D. autumnalis in Mexico and suggest a relevant pathological impact at the tissue level.