Characterization of Sarcocystis Species Based on Traditional and Molecular Methods in imported Frozen Buffalo Meat in Egypt

Sarcocystis is an intracellular, cyst forming and worldwide distributed parasites. In the present study, fifty five different cuts of imported frozen buffalo meat were collected from different localities of Alexandria markets and were subjected to macroscopic and microscopic examination followed by molecular methods. Polymerase chain reaction used to amplify 18S rRNA gene from the collected samples followed by sequence analysis to detect infections with different Sarcocystis spp. The result revealed that the infection rate in examined sample was 70.9% by molecular methods; while it was 23% and 20% by macroscopic and microscopic examination respectively. Also the percentage of infection was varied among different examined cuts. Comparison of the obtained sequences with published data at the Genebank showed that frozen buffalo meat has multiple sarcocystis infections with S. fusiformis and S.cruzi. This study supported previous findings indicated that water buffalo could be infected with S.cruzi which produced microscopic cyst that has hygienic importance for both veterinary and medical aspects. SO, we recommended to used molecular method for detection sarcocystis infection especially in imported frozen meat to avoid human infection of such zoonotic parasite.