Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Diwaniyah City, Iraq
2 Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Diwaniyah City, Iraq.
Abstract
This study concerns the genus Sarcocystis representing a group of intracellular mainly tissue parasites of carnivores, but some species are considered responsible for sarcocystosis in humans. These parasites are known to affect domestic and wild animals and can result in meat contamination with considerable economic impact. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of Sarcocystis in camels using microscopic methods and histopathological methods. This study was conducted in Al-Diwaniyah Province in Iraq. A total of 200 camels (male and female) of various age groups were sampled at a slaughterhouse in Al-Diwaniyah Province. Samples of esophagus and tongue tissues were taken from each animal, then subjected to histopathological analyses. Samples were stained histologically using the haematoxylin and eosin stain to determine microscopic structures. The results were examined using a light microscope. They revealed there were no macroscopic abnormalities in the Sarcocystis-infected camels. Histopathological examination of the esophagus and tongue samples revealed tissue lysis and the formation of cysts that clearly indicated a chronic infection. The widespread presence of Sarcocystis in camels in Al-Diwaniyah Province was confirmed, highlighting that any zoonotic potential of the parasite in this area cannot be ignored.
Keywords
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