Parasite: Sarcocystis species (S. cruzi, S, hominis, others)
Life-cycle: 2-host (prey and predator) life cycle (encysted forms in endothelial cells and skeletal muscle of pigs, cattle or sheep; oocysts or sporocysts shed in the feces of a predator or omnivore)
Source in humans: drinking water or ingesting food contaminated with feces from a carnivore or omnivore (including humans). This introduces oocysts or free sporocytes.
Onset: weeks or months after ingestion, but may be asymptomatic
Clinical symptoms:
(1) musculoskeletal pain (myalgias)
(2) fever
(3) skin rash
(4) cardiomyopathy
(5) bronchospasm
(6) subcutaneous nodules/swellings that may be painful
(7) lymphadenopathy
Laboratory findings:
(1) muscle biopsy shows intramuscular cysts
(2) serum antibodies to bradyzoites
(3) eosinophilia
