Multiple DNA Markers Differentiate Sarcocystis neurona and Sarcocystis falcatula

• DOI: 10.2307/3285623
• Publication Date: 2006-05-06T14:38:33Z
• Authors: Susan M. Tanhauser; Charles A. Yowell; Tim J. Cutler; Ellis C. Greiner; Robert J. MacKay; John B. Dame
• Keywords: Sarcocystosis; Didelphis

Studies designed to investigate the causative agent of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis and its life cycle have been hampered by marked similarity Sarcocystis neurona other spp. present in same definitive host. Random-amplified polymorphic DNA techniques were used amplify from isolates S. falcatula. sequence analysis polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products was then design PCR primers specific products. The ribosomal RNA internal transcribed spacer also amplified compared between Useful heterogeneity 2 organisms identified, creating potential markers distinguish these These characterize opossum (Didelphis virginiana) feces. Our data suggest that falcatula can be differentiated with multiple spp., including falcatula, are shed opossums.