Development of Sarcocystis alceslatrans Dubey, 1980, in the small intestine of dogs

Abstract

Laboratory-reared dogs were fed moose musculature infected with Sarcocystis alceslatrans. These dogs shed sporocysts [15.6 X 11.4 microns (14.4 to 15.8 X 10.8 to 11.5)] 11 to 15 days after inoculation. The prepatent period was 10 to 14 days. Two cats and 1 coyote that also ate infected moose musculature did not pass sporocysts. Histologic examination of intestinal tissue from experimentally infected dogs revealed microgamonts, macrogametes, and oocysts. All stages were present in the lamina propria of the small intestine, usually in the luminal third of the villi. Infections were concentrated in the proximal half of the small intestine. Oocysts were first noticed in dogs killed 7 days after inoculation and a sequence of sporogonic development occurred in dogs killed on subsequent days. Ultrastructural observations were made on the oocyst and sporocyst walls during sporogony.