A novel apicomplexan parasite caused a disseminated fatal disease in a wild feathertail glider.
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The apicomplexan parasite is a member of the family Sarcocystidae.
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It is most closely related to parasites previously identified in yellow-bellied gliders in Australia and southern mouseopossums in Chile.
Abstract
This is the first report of a disseminated protozoal infection in a wild feathertail glider (Acrobates pygmaeus) from south-eastern Australia. The glider was found dead in poor body condition. Histologically, large numbers of zoites were seen predominantly in macrophages in the liver, spleen and lung, with protozoal cysts present in the liver. Molecular and phylogenetic analyses inferred that the protozoan parasite belongs to the family Sarcocystidae and is closely related to previously identified apicomplexans found in yellow-bellied gliders (Petaurus australis) in Australia and southern mouse opossums (Thylamys elegans) in Chile.
