University Presentation Showcase: Undergraduate Division

Environmental and Biological Influence on the Shedding of Sarcocysts Neurona from Didelphis Virginiana

Presenter Hometown

Coxs Creek

Major

Biomedical Science - Pre-Vet

Department

Biological Sciences

Degree

Undergraduate

Mentor

Oliver Oakley

Mentor Department

Biological Sciences

Abstract

Sarcocystis neurona is a protozoan parasite that infects Didelphis spp. (opossums) as a definitive host, but does not cause disease in opossums. S. neurona commonly causes disease in avian and equine species (L.F.P. Gondim, 2021). S. neurona is spread by shedding of the protozoa from an infected species through the feces.  There are many species of Didelphis, with five distributed in South America (D. aurita, D. albiventris, D. marsupialis, D. imperfecta, and D. pernigra), and one found in North America (D. virginiana). There are genetic and biological differences in the Sarcocystis that North American opossums shed (L.F.P. Gondim, 2021), with many environmental influences affecting this.  The focus of this literature research is on environmental, behavioral, and genetic factors that contribute to the shedding process of S. neurona. In this study, cage-caught opossums will be examined for S. neurona using fecal flotation and PCR. Opossums will also be examined to determine age, body condition score, and weight. This study aims to analyze the relationship between environmental and biological factors and the shedding of S. neurona.

Presentation format

Poster

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Environmental and Biological Influence on the Shedding of Sarcocysts Neurona from Didelphis Virginiana

Sarcocystis neurona is a protozoan parasite that infects Didelphis spp. (opossums) as a definitive host, but does not cause disease in opossums. S. neurona commonly causes disease in avian and equine species (L.F.P. Gondim, 2021). S. neurona is spread by shedding of the protozoa from an infected species through the feces.  There are many species of Didelphis, with five distributed in South America (D. aurita, D. albiventris, D. marsupialis, D. imperfecta, and D. pernigra), and one found in North America (D. virginiana). There are genetic and biological differences in the Sarcocystis that North American opossums shed (L.F.P. Gondim, 2021), with many environmental influences affecting this.  The focus of this literature research is on environmental, behavioral, and genetic factors that contribute to the shedding process of S. neurona. In this study, cage-caught opossums will be examined for S. neurona using fecal flotation and PCR. Opossums will also be examined to determine age, body condition score, and weight. This study aims to analyze the relationship between environmental and biological factors and the shedding of S. neurona.