Genotyping of Sarcocystis spp. in bovine carcasses from slaughter houses in Sohag, Egypt

Background: Sarcocystosis is a zoonotic disease worldwide caused by Sarcocystis spp. and commonly reported in buffaloes, cattle and pigs. buffalos' meat is a major meat supply in the Egyp‌tian market. Objective: This study was carried out to determine the incidence rate and species identity of Sarcocystis infection in slaughtered water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) by microscopy and PCR–RFLP methods in Sohag, Egypt. Subjects and Methods: The samples from esophagus and tongue were collected from 100 slaughtered buffaloes from different slaughter houses in Sohag, Egypt and subjected to macroscopical, microscopical, and histopathological examinations. The genomic DNA was extracted from Sarcocystis-infected muscle samples and a PCR–RFLP method was used to amplify partial parts of the 18S rRNA gene and the PCR products were digested by restriction endonuclease enzyme BclI for species identification. Results: Macroscopic sarcocysts were detected in 25% of slaughtered buffaloes but no microscopic sarcocysts were identified. PCR–RFLP analysis resulted in successful amplification of all positive samples and S. fusiformis was detected in all positive samples. Conclusions: Using both morphological and PCR-RFLP analysis indicated that the isolates obtained from slaughtered buffaloes in Sohag, Egypt were S. fusiformis and higher prevalence proposed the potential role of cats in the transmission of S. fusiformis, which, in turn, requires strict hygienic measures to protect animals and humans from infection.