What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Sarcocystis Hominis Infection
• Sarcocystis Suihominis Infection
• Sarcosporidiosis

What is Sarcocystosis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Sarcocystosis is parasitic infection by Sarcocystis, affecting mammals, specifically humans and livestock. The parasite typically gets ingested with raw or undercooked meat, such as beef and pork
• Sarcocystosis is a versatile and prevalent parasitic infection. It is most common in Europe, Asia, and North and South America
• The parasite works via a two host mechanism - the definitive and intermediate hosts
  • The definitive host of Sarcocystosis, the host that is responsible for sexual replication of the parasite, is humans
  • The intermediate host, the host that allows facilitated infection of the definitive host, is livestock, most often cattle and swine
• In most cases, the infection is asymptomatic. However, some individuals may develop symptoms very rapidly upon infection. Nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting are the most common symptoms; these may occur as little as six hours after infection
• Sarcocystosis infection can be diagnosed via confirmation of eggs in a stool sample upon examination, along-with observation of the presenting symptoms
• There are no known medical or therapeutic treatments for Sarcocystosis, although anti-parasitic drugs have been shown to shorten the duration of infection in some cases
• Cooking meat thoroughly may help prevent infection by Sarcocystis. If infection occurs, it generally resolves spontaneously, in a majority of cases

Who gets Sarcocystosis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Sarcocystosis is most common in Central and Eastern Europe, but can also be seen Western Europe, Asia, Australia, and North and South America
• Any individual is susceptible for contracting infection following consumption of raw or undercooked contaminated meat
  • Sarcocystis Hominis Infection occurs following ingestion of infected beef
  • Sarcocystis Suihominis Infection occurs following ingestion of infected pork
• Young children tend to be affected at higher rates, possibly because of poorer hygienic behavior
• Both males and females are equally susceptible to infection

What are the Risk Factors for Sarcocystosis? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors of Sarcocystosis include the following:

• Ingesting raw or undercooked, infected red meat (such as beef, pork, and lamb)
• Not washing one’s hands thoroughly following handling of meat and before eating

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Sarcocystosis?

Sarcocystosis is caused by the consumption of raw or undercooked meat that is infected with the parasite Sarcocystis

• Once the parasite is ingested, it can localize to the small intestine in humans
• Within the small intestine, the parasite matures and reproduces, eventually leading to the release of eggs through the fecal route
• The parasitic eggs can reside in dirt and on grass. When ingested by cattle or swine, the parasitic eggs can develop within the animal and the lifespan continues
• Other than humans, Sarcocystosis more frequently occurs in carnivorous wild mammals, such as dogs, wolves, coyotes, and foxes. These animals are frequently responsible for spread of the infection

There are two types of Sarcocystosis caused by two different species of the parasite.

• Sarcocystis Hominis Infection is contracted by eating infected beef
• Sarcocystis Suihominis Infection is contracted by eating infected pork
• Both parasites are similar in morphology (appearance) and clinical presentation

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Sarcocystosis?

The most common signs and symptoms of Sarcocystosis include the following:

• Nausea 
• Mild fever, chills 
• Abdominal pain 
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Enteritis (inflammation of the small intestine)

The first onset of symptoms may occur within six hours of infection and can last for up to several weeks. In majority of cases, the infection is asymptomatic and an affected individual frequently does not even realize that he/she is infected.

How is Sarcocystosis Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Sarcocystosis is made on the basis of the following tools:

• A complete physical examination
• An assessment of symptoms and an evaluation of the affected individual’s medical history
• Examination for parasitic eggs in stool. This can be done through microscopic observation of a stool sample by a healthcare professional

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Sarcocystosis?

No complications are generally reported for Sarcocystosis, since this parasitic infection clears without the need for treatment in most cases.

How is Sarcocystosis Treated?

Sarcocystosis is frequently asymptomatic or mild with no complications; thus, a treatment plan may not be required for the infected individuals. The infection normally terminates itself on its own.

• Anti-parasitic drugs have been used to treat Sarcocystosis; however, the efficacy of this treatment is not well understood
• Affected individuals are often advised to take fluids (also drink water) to remain hydrated, if diarrheal symptoms are present

How can Sarcocystosis be Prevented?

The following precautions may help minimize the risk of contracting Sarcocystosis:

• Cooking red meat thoroughly at 70 degrees Celsius (160 degrees Fahrenheit) for at least 15 minutes
• Freezing red meat at -4 degrees Celsius (24 degrees Fahrenheit) for at least two days, if it may be consumed raw or undercooked
• Completely avoiding the consumption of raw or undercooked meat
• Washing hands after handling raw meat and before eating

What is the Prognosis of Sarcocystosis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Sarcocystosis is good, since the infection frequently resolves itself without treatment. There is no evidence of long-lasting side effects, symptoms, or complications
• Anti-parasitic drugs may be used in rare instances to treat Sarcocystosis. However, the effectiveness of drug treatment is not well-established

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Sarcocystosis:

Sarcocystosis may also occur with humans as the intermediate host (muscular Sarcocystosis).

• In these infections, the ingested parasitic eggs from feces diffuse through the intestine into the bloodstream, resulting in many muscle-related issues
• Humans act as a dead-end host in muscular Sarcocystosis, as there is no way for the parasite to continue its lifecycle
• Muscular Sarcocystosis is much more severe than intestinal Sarcocystosis, although even rarer. There have been fewer than 100 reported cases of muscular Sarcocystosis in humans in the medical history

Sarcocystis sexually replicates in the human intestine.

• The parasitic egg sacks are excreted through feces and are inert until consumed by a grazing mammal
• Once ingested by livestock, the parasitic egg sacks burst and release sporozoites in the animal’s intestine. The sporozoites can then diffuse into the intestine and into the animal’s bloodstream
• Once in the bloodstream, the parasite localizes to muscle tissue where it matures and waits to be consumed by a definitive host in order to restart its life cycle