Emilija Grigaliūnaitė

Mrs. Emilija Grigaliūnaitė


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
17 April 2025 in Veterinary Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Petras PrakasPetras Prakas
Petras Prakas
Rasa Vaitkevičiūtė KoklevičienėRasa Vaitkevičiūtė Koklevičienė
Rasa Vaitkevičiūtė Koklevičienė
NGNaglis Gudiškis
Naglis Gudiškis
EGEmilija Grigaliūnaitė
Emilija Grigaliūnaitė
EJEvelina Juozaitytė-Ngugu
Evelina Juozaitytė-Ngugu
DBDalius Butkauskas
Dalius Butkauskas
Apicomplexan parasites of the genus Sarcocystis utilize a wide range of vertebrate hosts, including reptiles, birds, and mammals, and follow a complex two-host prey–predator life cycle. Sarcocysts develop within the muscle tissue of intermediate hosts, while oocyst sporulation occurs in the intestines of definitive hosts. Despite their broad host range, the role of Mustelidae predators in the transmission and maintenance of Sarcocystis species remains poorly understood, highlighting the need for targeted studies in this area. In 2023, 20 intestinal samples were collected from European pine martens (Martes martes) in Latvia. Light microscopy revealed sporocysts of Sarcocystis spp. in 70.0% of the samples. Sarcocystis species were identified by using the analysis of obtained cox1 and ITS1 sequences. Using molecular methods, Sarcocystis spp. were confirmed in 85.0% of the samples examined, and co-infections with two or more different parasite species were established in 30.0% samples. We detected eight Sarcocystis species (S. arieticanis, S. bertrami, S. capracanis, S. cruzi, S. entzerothi, S. hjorti, S. morae, and S. truncata) associated with intermediate hosts such as cervids, cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. Additionally, a genetically novel species, Sarcocystis sp. 25MmLV, was detected in a single European pine marten. These findings suggest that European pine martens serve as definitive hosts for multiple Sarcocystis species, particularly those infecting cervids.