University Presentation Showcase: Undergraduate Poster Gallery
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Creation Date
2026
Major
Biomedical Science - Pre-Vet
Department
Biological Sciences
Degree
Undergraduate
Mentor
Dr. Oliver Oakley
Mentor Department
Biological Sciences
Abstract
Sorcocystis neurona is a protozoan parasite that infects Didelphis Spp (opossums) as a definitive host,but does not cause disease in opossums. S, neruona commonly cause disease in avian and equine species ( L.F.P. Gondam, 2021) S, neruona is spread by shedding of the protozoa from an infected species through the feces. There are many species of Didelphis with five being distributed from 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 Sorcocystis that North American opossums shed (L.F.P Gondam, 2021) with many environmental influences affecting this. The focus of this literature research being on environmental, behavioral, and genetic factors that contribute to the shedding process of S, neruona. Through this study cage caught opossums will be examined for S neurona using fecal flotations and PCR. Opossums will also be examined to determine age, body score, and weight. This study aims to analyze the relationship between environmental and biological factors, and the shedding of S. neurona. One limitation of this research is sample size, due to availability of infected D. Virginiana.
