Molecular Confirmation of Accipiter Birds of Prey as Definitive Hosts of Numerous Sarcocystis Species, including Sarcocystis sp., Closely Related to Pathogenic S. calchasi

The present study aimed to test intestinal scrapings of the Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) and the Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) from Lithuania for S. calchasi and other Sarcocystis species characterised by bird-bird life cycles. The protozoan parasite Sarcocystis calchasi can cause respiratory and neurological diseases in a variety of birds; however, the distribution of this parasite is not well-examined. Sarcocystis species were identified with nested PCR and sequencing of the partial ITS1 region. Sporocysts and/or sporulated oocysts of Sarcocystis spp. were observed in 16 (100%) Northern Goshawks and 9 (56.3%) Eurasian Sparrowhawks. Four species, S. columbae, S. halieti, S. turdusi, and S. wobeseri, were confirmed in the Eurasian Sparrowhawk. Apart from the latter four species, S. calchasi, S. cornixi, S. kutkienae, and S. lari were established in the Northern Goshawk. A higher prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. and species richness in Northern Goshawks is associated with the differences in the diet of two examined Accipiter species. This study is the first report of S. calchasi in Lithuania. Furthermore, the genetically distinct species Sarcocystis spp. 23LTAcc, which is most closely related to S. calchasi, was found in three Northern Goshawks.

Automated summary

The study aimed to identify Sarcocystis species in intestinal scrapings of Northern Goshawks and Eurasian Sparrowhawks in Lithuania. Sarcocystis calchasi, a protozoan parasite causing respiratory and neurological diseases in birds, was detected for the first time in Lithuania. Different Sarcocystis species were identified, and the prevalence and species richness were higher in Northern Goshawks compared to Eurasian Sparrowhawks. This study provides important insights into the distribution and diversity of Sarcocystis species in avian hosts.