Prevalence of Sarcocystis fusiformis and Hydatid cyst among Different Ruminants at Menofia Governorate, Egypt

Abstract

Sarcocystis fusiformis cysts and Hydatid cysts are of the most prevailing parasitic infestations of meat having economic and public health importance. S. fusiformis is an intracellular protozoan of the Phylum Apicomplixa which has an indirect life cycle, Hydatid cysts caused by the parasitic cestode E. granulosus that also has an obligate two-host life cycle, so they require an intermediate herbivorous or omnivorous host. So, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of S. fusiformis and Hydatid cysts in ruminants at Menofia governorate, Egypt. Physical examination of 1916 ruminant animal at different abattoirs at Menofia governorate was carried out from Septemper 20161 to August 2017 and microscopic examination was also conducted. About 20.5% of the examined animals were found positive for S. fusiformis. Buffaloes were infected with 85.96% while cattle were infected with 0.1%. The highest infection rate was recorded in animals older than 5 years old with percentage of 92.28%, then the animals between 3 to 5 years 29.32%, while animals less than 3 years were about 0.54%. The highest infection was recorded in Winter and Spring seasons 33.3% and 27.13%. Hydatid cyst was recorded with overall prevalence 3.6%. It was found in camels with percentage of 29.18%, and 1.75% in buffaloes. In conclusion Sarcocystis fusiformis and Echinococcus granulosus cysts prevailed at Menofia governorate, Egypt with considerable percentages that require more molecular studies to determine their genes and require putting strategies to control stray dogs and cats near the abattoirs and efficient condemnation of affected organs.