Background: The prevalence of bovine sarcocystosis is high in most regions of the world. In Egypt, it
constitutes a major human health problem due to consumption of insufficiently cooked bovine meat.
Objective: To determine the detection rate and species identity of Sarcocystis infection in slaughtered
water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Egypt.
Material and Methods: Samples from esophagus and tongue were collected from 100 slaughtered
buffaloes from different slaughterhouses in Sohag, Egypt and subjected to macroscopical, microscopical,
and histopathological examinations. The genomic DNA was extracted from Sarcocystis-infected muscle
samples and PCR–RFLP method was used to amplify partial parts of the gene encoding 18S rRNA. The PCR
products were digested by restriction endonuclease enzyme BclI for species identification.
Results: Macroscopic sarcocysts were detected in 25% of slaughtered buffaloes, however, no microscopic
sarcocysts were detected. Molecular analysis resulted in successful amplification of all positive samples
and S. fusiformis was identified in all positive samples.
Conclusion: All isolates obtained from slaughtered buffaloes in Sohag, Egypt were S. fusiformis suggesting
the potential role of cats in the transmission of S. fusiformis. Our study recommends strict hygienic
measures to protect animals and humans from infection.