• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.155-163
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• 1988

For the laboratory diagnosis of Sarcocystis infections especially in domesticated food animals, several antificial digestion techniques were applied for the musculature specimens and several staining techniques was applied for the bradyzoites of Sarcocystis species isolated. The digestion technique using trypsin(0.5%) and sodium chloride(0.85%) mixed solution was regarded as the most valuable for the detection of asexual stages of Sarcocystis in bovine musculature specimens. Optimal time for digestion was approximately one to four hours. The trypsion digestion technique with Giemsa's stain could be helpful for the detection of Sarcocystis prolferative forms and for the observation of the nucleus of the parasite. A systematic detection was also performed in an autopsy for a bovine carcass naturally infected with Sarcocystis species, and the asexual stages such as metrocytes and bradyzoites were observed in the specific organs, respectively.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.379-385
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• 1988

For the comparison of surface fine structures in the proliferative forms of two major protoroan parasites, Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis species in mammalian hosts, isolated from the artificially infected mice and from the naturally infected cattle, respectively, an SEM(Hitachi S-570) was applied to the fixed, dried and coated with gold ion on the microslide glasses. The tachyzoites of T gondii from the peritoneal cavity of the mouse showed the crescent-like feature and measured as $5.57{\mu}m$ in length and $2.33{\mu}m$ in width, while the bradyzoites of Sarcocystis species from the heart muscle of slaughtered cattle was banana-shaped and measured as $14.18{\mu}m$ in length and $2.85{\mu}m$ in width. On the surface of Sarcocystis species bradyzoite, a distinct elliptical micropore was identified in the high magnification observation of 60,000X, and it measured as $0.35{\mu}m$ in length and $0.18{\mu}m$ in width.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.325-331
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• 1989

Five hundred and forty-eight samples of pig heart muscle were collected from the abattoirs of many regions in Korea to reveal the frequency of Sarcocystis infections and to identify the species from June 1988 to April 1989. Heart muscle of the pigs was inspected for sarcocysts by the direct detection technique and for bradyzoites by the trypsin digestion technique. For examination of development of the parasites in the final host, 5 cross bred mature dogs, 5 puppies and 5 kittens were fed 100g, 50g and 50g of the infected meat respectively, four times in 2 days. Of 402 fattened and 146 older culled breeding pigs, 3 fattened pigs and 39 culled pigs were positive for Sarcocystis. Sarcocystis cysts from heart muscle measured an average of $425{\times}169{\mu}m$ and bradyzoites an average of $15.6{\times}3.5{\mu}m$. Of 15 animals, only 2 puppies were infected with Sarcocystis. The prepatent period was 11 to 12 days and patent period was not examined since the puppies were infected with some another infections and one died on day 11 and another died on day 12 after ingestion of the meat. The sporulated oocysts were detected 11 days after ingestion of the meat and sporocysts 12 days from the puppy feces. The sporulated oocysts measured an average of $16.5{\times}11.5{\mu}m$ and sporocysts an average of $12.6{\times}7.9{\mu}m$. On scraping examination of the intestinal mucosa, fully sporulated oocysts were detected in the tip of the intestinal villi. Considering above all descriptions, Sarcocystis in pig heart muscle in Korea was identified with Sarcocystis suicanis.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.339-344
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• 2016

The genus Sarcocystis is not usually considered as an important enteric pathogen in immune compromised patients. It might be expected that species for which humans are the final host (Sarcocystis hominis and Sarcocystis suihominis as well as possibly others) would be encountered increasingly often in immunodeficient persons. This study aimed to address how to detect and differentiate Sarcocystis oocysts and/or sporocysts from enteric protozoans in the diarrheal samples of immunodeficient patients in Shiraz, Iran. Diarrheal samples of 741 immunodeficient patients with recurrent persistent or chronic diarrhea were examined by microscopy and molecular biological analysis. Oocysts-positive samples were 68 Cryptosporidium spp., 9 Cystoisospora belli (syn. Isospora belli), 2 Cyclospora cayetanensis, and 15 microsporidia (Enterocytozoon bieneusi). Sarcocystis-like sporocysts found from a woman were identified as Sarcocystis cruzi through 18S rDNA amplification and phylogenetic analysis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of S. cruzi from a human.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.387-390
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• 1988

A preliminary survey of Sarcocystis species in the slaughtered cattle in Seoul was undertaken during October through December 1987, using digestion diagnostic technique for the heart muscle specimens digested in 0.5% trypsin solution. Results indicated that 41.5% of 159 bovine hearts were infected with Sarcocystis proliferative forms. High frequencies in the exotic dairy cattle(42.2%) and the Korean native cattle(41.7%) were noticed in comparison with low frequency in the cross breed(25.0%). No differences were indicated between the sexes of the host animals, although an age difference was noticed as 48.9% in cattle older than four years in comparison with 39.0% and 37.1% in younger than two years and in two to four years, respectively.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.507-510
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• 1990

A preliminary survey of Sarcocystis species in the slaughtered cattle in Cheju was undertaken during May through October 1989, using digested diagnostic technique for the heart, the esophagus and the dorsal muscles of the neck specimens digested in 0.5% trypsin solution. The results obtained were summarized as follows. 1. The overall infection rate of Sarcocystis in a total of 218 slaughtered cattle was as high as 36.7% with the highest frequencies in the esophagus muscles(21. 6%), followed by in the dorsal muscles of the neck(19.1%) and in the heart rnuscles(17.9%). 2. Age difference was noticed as 64.3% in the cattle older than five years in comparison with 41.7%, 34.4%, in the group of two to four years and in the group of younger than two years respectively. 3. It was also noticed that the prevalence in the Brahman cross breed was higher(40.0%) than in any other breeds. 4. Regional distribution of Sarcocystis infections was observed as 75.0% in south-east area, 50.0% 44.7%, 35.0%, 32.0% and 20.6% in the areas of Seogwipo city, north-west, south-west, Cheju city and northeast area respectively. 5. According to the type of rearing the infection rate in the ranch type farm was noticed with and in the stock farms(36.2%).

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.213-217
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• 2010

Sarcocystis sp. infection was investigated in 20 necropsied captive wild mammals and 20 birds in 2 petting zoos in Malaysia. The gross post-mortem lesions in mammals showed marbling of the liver with uniform congestion of the intestine, and for birds, there was atrophy of the sternal muscles with hemorrhage and edema of the lungs in 2 birds. Naked eye examination was used for detection of macroscopic sarcocysts, and muscle squash for microscopic type. Only microscopically visible cysts were detected in 8 animals and species identification was not possible. Histological examination of the sections of infected skeletal muscles showed more than 5 sarcocysts in each specimen. No leukocytic infiltration was seen in affected organs. The shape of the cysts was elongated or Circular, and the mean size reached $254{\times}24.5{\mu}m$ and the thickness of the wall up to $2.5{\mu}m$. Two stages were recognized in the cysts, the peripheral metrocytes and large numbers of crescent shaped merozoites. Out of 40 animals examined, 3 mammals and 5 birds were positive (20%). The infection rate was 15% and 25% in mammals and birds, respectively. Regarding the organs, the infection rate was 50% in the skeletal muscles followed by tongue and heart (37.5%), diaphragm (25%), and esophagus (12.5%). Further ultrastructural studies are required to identify the species of Sarcocystis that infect captive wild animals and their possible role in zoonosis.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.83-108
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• 1984

Out of a total of 58 species of helminthic and protozoan parasitic infections in Korea, so far 38 species were reported as intestinal parasites of man. Quite a few species of the intestinal parasitic infections have long been prevalent throughout the country and this has been a significant public health problem. In this paper, current status and transition of the intestinal parasitic infections in the past years were presented. Chronological reviewing of data show background and prospects of change in the prevalence of infections. In the national prevalence survey on parasitic infections conducted once every five years since 1971, stool examinations were done by both cellophane thick smear and brine flotation techniques. Every egg positive case of Ascaris lumbricoides and Clonorchis sinensis was further examined by Stoll's dilution egg counting technique. In 1981, perianal swab using adhesive cellulose tape was added for Enterobius infection. For protozoan cyst examination conducted by province and city in '81, fecal specimens were fixed in SAF solution and examined by the formalin-ether concentration technique. High prevalence of parasitic infection in ana before the 1960s can be easily understood from the data given by the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs in 1967. From a parasite control point of view, the 1960s was the preparatory period particularly for control of soil-transmitted helminthiasis. Several organizations which have contributed to parasite control were founded in this period and the prevention law of parasitic infections was passed in '66. In the '70s, overall prevalence rates of the common intestinal parasitic infections, which were highly prevalent in the past were turned into reduction phase for the first time. The '80s can be said to be an active control period of parasitic infections. Intestinal helminths According to the reports of the national prevalence survey on parasitic infections, the prevalence of helminthic infections was 84.3%(number of person examined:24,887) in '71, 63.2%(27,178) in '76, and 41.1%(35,018) in '81. By area, the prevalence rate in '81 was 35.1%(20,569) in urban areas and 49.6%(14,447) in rural areas. Intestinal nematodes Ascaris lumbricoides The prevalence of Ascaris infection has decreased significantly in recent years. Among students, the prevalence was 55.4%, in '69 and decreased to 4.7% in '83. In the national prevalence surveys, the prevalence decreased to 13.0% in '81 from 54.9% in '71. By area, the prevalence decreased to 8.5% in '81 from 46.4% in '71 in urban area and 19.4% in '81 from 59.6% in '71 in rural area. By age, the prevalence has become in recent years relatively even in all age groups, although higher prevalence used to be seen in young age groups of around 10 years old, particulary in the highly prevalent rural areas. By sex, the prevalence was higher in the female than in the male. Unfertilized egg positive rates among the ascariasis cases increased gradually up to 55.4% on the average in '81. The intensity of the infection was also significantly decreased. Trichuris trichiura Trichuris infection had also decreased to 23.4% in '81 from 65.4% in '71. By area, the decreasing tendency of the prevalence became faster in urban areas than in the rural areas. The prevalence in urban and rural areas in '71 was 69.7%, and 63.1% respectively and decreased to 19.5% and 29.0% respectively in '81. By age, the prevalence reached a peak at the 10-14 age group and showed relatively even distribution throughout all age groups. By sex, the prevalence was close in young age groups, but in the 30s or over age group, especially in rural area, the prevalence was significantly higher in the female than in the male. The prevalence has much fluctuated depending in the area. The prevalence in rural areas surveyed in the '80s shows a range between 20.9% and 73.7% by locality. It is anticipated that the prevalence of Trichuris infection will drop more rapidly, when mass treatment is conducted. Hookworms Hookworm infection by mostly Ancylostoma duodenale and a few by Necator americanus has decreased to a negligible levels in recent years. In the national prevalence surveys, the prevalence was 10.7% in '71, 2.2% in '76, and 0.5% in '81. The prevalence was higher in rural areas than in urban areas. Wide application of multi-specific anthelminthics in the ascariasis control programmes conducted in the past decade appear to have been effective against hookworm infection. Trichostrongylus orientalis As in the case with hookworm infection, the prevalence of Trichostrongylus infection has reached a negligible levels. In the national prevalence surveys, the prevalence was 7.7% in '71, 1.0% in '76 and 0.2% in '81. Enterobius vermicularis In the national prevalence survey in '81, the egg positive rate was 12.0%. Higher prevalence is expected when examined repeatedly. The prevalence rate was 10.3% in urban area and 14.6% in rural area. In recent surveys conducted in rural areas among schoolchildren, the prevalence was 32.4% in Gimhae Gun in '82 and 64.1% in Yeongyang Gun in '83. By age, the egg positive rate was higher in young age groups of around 10 and sharply decreased in age groups of around 20 and then somewhat increased again in middle age groups. By sex, the prevalence was higher in the female than in the male. Strongyloides stercoralis Strongyloides stercoralis infection has rarely been found in Korea. Three cases were reported in 1914. And 0.1-0.5% were found infected out of 2,642 persons examined at the prisoner-of-war camp on Geojedo in 1956. One case was reported in '54 and '82, respectively. Anisakis spp. No systematic survey has been conducted for anisakiasis In Korea. So far, only several cases have been found 1 case in Seoul in '71, 5 cases in Busan in '81 and 1 case in Busan in '84. Intestinal trematodes Metagonimus yokogawai In the national prevalence survey conducted in 1981, the egg positive rate was 1.24% on the average. High endemic areas are located in the southwestern part of Korea. The prevalence in Hadong Gun was 29.1% on the average in '79. In a survey conducted in 76, the prevalence was 44.0% in Gwangyang, 55.0% in Gogseung and 29.0% in Gurye. The infection is closely correlated with raw sweetfish consumption in these areas. Other intestinal trematodes A human case of Heterophyes heterophyes was reported in 1914. Several species were reported in the '80s : 17 cases of Fibricola seoulensis, 9 cases of Pygidiopsis summa, 8 cases of Heterophyes heterophyes nocens, 1case of Heterophyopsis continua, 2 cases of Stellantchasmus falcatus, 1 case of Stictodora sp., 1 case of Echinostoma hortense, and 4 cases of Echinochasmus japonicus. As the intermediate hosts, snakes and frogs play a role for F.seoulensis and fish for the rest of the species. Intestinal cestodes Taenia saginata and T. solium Egg positive rates in the national prevalence survey were 0.7% in '76 and 1.1% in '81. The prevalence in '81 was 0.6% in urban area and 1.8% in rural area. The proglottid positive rate in Jeju Do was 19.2% on the average. On Udo, Jeju Do in 1983, the egg positive rate among the inhabitants was 2.9%. Hymenolepis nana In the national prevalence survey, egg positive rates were 0.6% in '76 and 0.4% in '81. No difference was seen in the prevalence by area and sex. Hymenolepis diminuta Infected cases were reported : 3 in '64 and I in '66. Egg positive rate in '81 was 0.01% in the national prevalence survey. Diphylobothrium latum So far, about 30 cases have been reported. The cases have been reported more frequently in recent surveys. Mesocestoides sp. A case was reported from a hospitalized patient in Seoul in '67. Spirometra erinacei Two cases were reported in '84 following reidentification of the adult worms collected in '74. Intestinal protozoa Out of a total of 23 species of human protozoan infections in Korea, 13 species were reported as intestinal protozoa : Entamoeba histolytica, E coli, Endolimax nana, Iodamoeba b$\ddot{u}$tschlii, Dientamoeba fragilis, Giardia lamblia, Chilomastix mesnilii, Embadomonas sp., Enteromonas hominis, Trichomonas hominis, Isospora belli, I. Hominis(Sarcocystis hominis), and Balantidium coli. Since the first report on intestinal protozoan infections in 1925, there have been quite a few survey data on the prevalence of the infection. It was found reviewing the data chronologically that up to the early '70s the infection was prevalent around a 30-50%. After that, the protozoan cyst positive rate has shown the tendency of gradual decrease throughout the country. Protozoan cyst survey conducted in Seoul and several provinces in 1981 revealed infection rates of 8.9%(1,310) in Gangweondo, 10.7%(1,703) in Gyenggi Do, 11.7%(1,032) in Jeonra Buk Do, 9.1%(4,116) in Jeonra Nam Do, and 1.4%(5,275) in Seoul. Entamoeba histolytica In the survey conducted by province in '81, the cyst positive rate was 0.8% in Gangweon-do, 0.3% in Gyeonggi Do, 1.4% in both Jeonra Buk Do and Jeonra Nam Do, and 0.2% in Seoul. Giardia lamblia In the survey by province in '81, cyst positive rates were 2.2% in both Gyeonggi Do and Jeonra Buk Do, 1.9% in Jeonra Nam Do, 0.5% in Gangweon Do, and 0.9% in Seoul. Balantidium coli Two cases were reported. One in 1930 and the other in '74. Isospora belli and I. Hominis(Sarcocystis hominis) Isospora belli was reported : 1 case in '56 and 3 cases in '66. I. Hominis, recently identified to be synonymous with Sarcocystis hominis, was reported : 3 cases in '66. Other intestinal protozoa The protozoan parasites other than the above mentioned are generally treated as commensal, although some of them are considered to be pathogenic. The data of '81 show that about 10% of the inhabitants are still infected with protozoa.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.727-733
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• 2013

Despite the existence of effective anthelmintics, parasitic infections remain a major public health problem in Southeast Asia, including Thailand. In rural communities, continuing infection is often reinforced by dietary habits that have a strong cultural basis and by poor personal hygiene and sanitation. This study presents a survey of the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among the people in rural Thailand. The community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in villages in Khon Kaen Province, northeastern Thailand, from July to August 2013. A total of 253 stool samples from 102 males and 140 females, aged 2-80 years, were prepared using formalin-ethyl acetate concentration methods and examined using light microscopy. Ninety-four individuals (37.2%) were infected with 1 or more parasite species. Presence of parasitic infection was significantly correlated with gender (P=0.001); nearly half of males in this survey (49.0%) were infected. Older people had a higher prevalence than younger members of the population. The most common parasite found was Opisthorchis viverrini (26.9%), followed by Strongyloides stercoralis (9.5%), Taenia spp. (1.6%), echinostomes (0.4%), and hookworms (0.4%). The prevalence of intestinal protozoa was Blastocystis hominis 1.6%, Entamoeba histolytica 0.8%, Entamoeba coli 0.8%, Balantidium coli 0.4%, Iodamoeba b$\ddot{u}$tschlii 0.4%, and Sarcocystis hominis 0.4%. Co-infections of various helminths and protozoa were present in 15.9% of the people. The present results show that the prevalence of parasitic infections in this region is still high. Proactive education about dietary habits, personal hygiene, and sanitation should be provided to the people in this community to reduce the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections. Moreover, development of policies and programs to control parasites is needed.