Abstract
Aim:The main objectives of this study were to determine the incidence of Sarcocystis sp. infection in cattle and buffalo carcasses slaughtered at El-Kharga abattoir, New Valley Governorate, Egypt.Materials and Methods:The slaughtered animals were daily inspected for Sarcocystis macrocysts through a year (2015). Macroscopic Sarcocystis was detected from a total of 2120 cattle and buffalo carcasses. In addition, 100 meat samples were collected from female cattle and buffalo (50 each) and were examined microscopically for sarcocystosis.Results:The overall incidence of Sarcocystis macrocyst among bovine carcasses was 159/2120 (7.5%). Total incidence in cattle was 149/2000 (7.45%), whereas it was 10/120 (8.33%) in buffalo carcasses. Concerning gender, the overall prevalence of Sarcocystis infection was 127/1790 (7.09%) in male and 32/330 (9.69%) in females bovine carcasses. The highest detection rate of Sarcocystis lesions was from the esophagus (76.3%) followed by throat muscles (35.3%), tongue (33.8%), and diaphragm muscles (18.71%). Macrocysts from cattle were identified to Sarcocystis hirsuta, whereas Sarcocystis fusiformis was identified from buffalo carcasses. By microscopic examination, 18 (36%) of 50 female cattle carcasses harbor Sarcocystis sp., whereas 11 (22%) of buffalo carcasses were harbored Sarcocystis microcysts.Conclusion:A high incidence of Sarcocystis infection was detected among slaughtered bovines in El-Kharga abattoir, Egypt. Sarcocystis macrocysts were a higher incidence in female elder animals macrocysts were identified to S. hirsuta in cattle and S. fusiformis in buffaloes. Sarcocystosis constitute a major cause of economic losses at El-Kharga abattoir. Beef meat may carry health risks to consumers.
Highlights
Sarcocystis is an intracellular protozoan parasite belongs to the phylum Apicomplexa and family Sarcocystidae
Macrocysts from cattle were identified to Sarcocystis hirsuta, whereas Sarcocystis fusiformis was identified from buffalo carcasses
A high incidence of Sarcocystis infection was detected among slaughtered bovines in El-Kharga abattoir, Egypt
Summary
Sarcocystis is an intracellular protozoan parasite belongs to the phylum Apicomplexa and family Sarcocystidae. It is cyst-forming intracellular coccidian parasites with obligate two hosts. Sarcocystis needs two obligatory hosts during its life cycle, including a carnivorous as a definitive host and an omnivorous or herbivorous as an intermediate host [1]. There are many economic impacts of sarcocystosis. The pathogenic species affect cattle may lead to severe, fatal disease leading to abortion, reduced milk yield, neurologic signs, and loss of weight. The infection with macroscopic Sarcocystis cysts renders the meat unmarketable and leads to downgrading and condemnation of the carcasses [2,3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
