Development of control tools for sarcocystiosis of south american camelids

ROMERO S; CARLETTI T; MORÉ G; VENTURINI C; SCHNITTGER L; FLORIN-CHRISTENSEN M

Congreso; 13th International Congress of Parasitology (ICOPA); 2014

Development of control tools for sarcocystiosis of south american camelidsBACKGROUND: Production of llama (Lama glama) meat in rural communities of theAndean regions of Argentina is largely affected by South American camelidsarcocystiosis. Muscular macroscopic cysts appear as a consequence of Sarcocystissp. parasitism and prevent meat consumption. Llama meat production is still informalin Argentina but has broad perspectives for improvement, and can significantlybenefit from the development of standardized control methodologies. This work wasaimed at analyzing the presence of anti-Sarcocystis sp. antibodies in llama sera ofdifferent origins and herd management practices in Argentina.METHODS: Serum samples (n=507) were collected from llamas of threeregions/management types of Argentina: small herds informally kept by smallproducers of (i) Puna and (ii) extra-Puna regions; and (iii) a large herd managedunder moderately controlled sanitary conditions at a governmental agriculturalexperimental station located in the Puna region (EEA-Abra Pampa). All sampleswere analyzed with an indirect ELISA, which was set up using parasite immunogenicprotein fractions. A set of samples were also analyzed by a previously establishedimmunofluorescence assay to determine the ELISA cut-off.RESULTS: Llama herds from small producers of Puna showed a considerably highernumber (50%) of animals with detectable anti-Sarcocystis sp. antibodies than thosefrom extra-Puna regions (26%). On the other hand, the population of llamas at EEAAbraPampa displayed a similar number of serologically positive animals (23%) asextra-Puna herds.CONCLUSIONS: The differences in serological detection observed in this workindicate influence of geographical/ecological and management factors in theprevalence of South American camelid sarcocystiosis.Financed by CONICET (PIP 114-200801-00653) and INTA (SALJU320051)