Molecular identification of Microscopic Cysts of Sarcocystis in Sheep in Baghdad Province

Abstract

Sarcocystis is an obligatory intracellular protozoan parasite which can infect humans and animals. This study was aimed to identify the macroscopic and microscopic cysts of Sarcocystis in sheep by using PCR. One hundred random samples taken from sheep at abattoir. The digestion method was used for bradyzoites observation in, esophagus and inter costal muscle samples. PCR analysis was conducted on microscopic cysts and the other samples. Sequencing was performed for ten PCR products. Genotypes were identified by BLAST search and homology analysis. Digestion method and PCR analysis revealed positive results in all samples taken from esophagus and inter costal muscle.