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Shamsi S, Brown K, Francis N, Barton DP, Jenkins DJ. First findings of Sarcocystis species in game deer and feral pigs in Australia. Int J Food Microbiol 2024; 421:110780. [PMID: 38909489 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2024.110780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Several wild game meat species, including deer and feral pigs are hunted and consumed in Australia. Feral pigs and deer are not indigenous to Australia, but they have proliferated extensively and established their presence in every state and territory. Following the report of a sambar deer displaying Sarcocystis like white cysts in its rump muscles, the present study was conducted to explore the prevalence of Sarcocystis infections in wild deer and feral pigs in the southeastern regions of Australia. Oesophagus, diaphragm, and heart tissue from 90 deer and eight feral pigs were examined visually for sarcocysts. All results were negative. PCR testing of randomly selected deer and feral pigs yielded positive results, which were subsequently supported by histopathology. This is the first study to report the presence of Sarcocystis spp. in deer and feral pigs in Australia. As no visual cysts were found on the heart or oesophagus that came back positive with PCR, infected animals, particularly those reared free-range, could be passing through meat quality checks unidentified. If people consume this meat without cooking it properly, it may lead to a human infection of Sarcocystis. However, a more targeted study focused on determining the parasite's prevalence and assessing its risks is necessary to determine if it constitutes a food safety issue. As this species has been found not only in feral pigs but also in domestic pigs, the potential for infection spreading between feral pigs and pigs in free-range livestock systems is high, potentially posing a large problem for the Australian pork industry, particularly with the increased emphasis on free-range pig husbandry. Future studies should concentrate on determining the species of Sarcocystis in feral animals commonly consumed as game meat to determine potential zoonotic risks. This could also include a more in-depth look at the prevalence of Sarcocystis infections in other game animals. Identifying where these parasites are present and to what extent, are important areas for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shokoofeh Shamsi
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga 2678, Australia.
| | - Keira Brown
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga 2678, Australia.
| | - Nidhish Francis
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga 2678, Australia
| | - Diane P Barton
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga 2678, Australia
| | - David J Jenkins
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga 2678, Australia
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Šneideris D, Moskaliova D, Butkauskas D, Prakas P. The Distribution of Sarcocsytis Species Described by Ungulates-Canids Life Cycle in Intestines of Small Predators of the Family Mustelidae. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:747-758. [PMID: 38413556 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-024-00814-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Using molecular techniques, we have previously shown that carnivorous mammals of the family Mustelidae might be common definitive hosts for various protozoan Sarcocystis species. In the present study we aimed to unravel whether Sarcocystis species using ungulates as intermediate hosts and canids or felids as definitive hosts can be found in intestine of mustelids. METHODS Small intestine samples of 93 individual mustelids of five different species from Lithuania were examined. Sarcocystis species were identified based on species-specific PCR and subsequent cox1 sequencing. RESULTS Six Sarcocystis species (S. arieticanis, S. bertrami, S. capracanis, S. capreolicanis, S. linearis and S. morae) defined by ungulate-canid life cycle were detected for the first time in small intestines of mustelids. By contrast, the prevalence of Sarcocystis characterised by ungulate-felid life cycle was low (3.2%). Overall, 76% of the examined animals were positive for at least one of the studied Sarcocystis species. Four species, S. arieticanis, S. bertrami, S. capracanis and S. morae were most commonly found, with the detection rate of about 40%. CONCLUSIONS The current finding, in addition to our previous studies, suggests that mustelids play an important role in the spread of various Sarcocystis species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Petras Prakas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
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El-Morsey A, Abdo W. Recent insights into the morphology, molecular characterization and tissue localization of the caprine Sarcocystis species infecting domestic goats (Capra hiricus): Sarcocystis moulei, Sarcocystis capracanis, and Sarcocystis hircicanis. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:55. [PMID: 38102457 PMCID: PMC10724331 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08063-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Ninety-seven (64.67%) out of 150 domestic goats (Capra hiricus) carcasses were found to be infected by Sarcocystis moulei, Sarcocystis capracanis, and Sarcocystis hircicanis sarcocysts. Sarcocystis moulei macrosarcocysts were detected in the cardiac, esophageal, skeletal, lingual, and diaphragmatic muscles of seven goats (4.67%) out of the 150 examined animals, whereas the microscopic Sarcocystis species were found in (90/150 = 60%). Two morphotypes of S. moulei were observed. Morphotype (I) macrosarcocysts were large-sized oval, ovoid, spherical, and measured 2-7 mm in length x 2-6 mm in width. Sarcocystis moulei morphotype (II) macrosarcocysts were spindle-shaped, spheroid, sometimes elongated, and measured 1.8-6 x 0.5-2 mm. By TEM, all S. moulei morphotypes were ultrastructurally the same and had a sarcocyst wall that was characterized by highly branched or cauliflower-like villar protrusions (VP) with dumbbell-like structures. The VP interior was packed with well-developed microtubules in longitudinal and cross arrangements. Sarcocystis moulei cyst wall was 3-6 μm thick. Sarcocystis capracanis microsarcocysts detected herein had a cyst wall that ranged from 4-8 μm in thickness. The VP was upright finger-like or cylindrical. The PVM had electron-dense corrugations in the region of the VP. Few amounts of microfilaments were detected inside the cores of VP. Sarcocystis hircicanis had a thinner cyst wall (~1-3 μm) with hairy long VP that ranged from 1 to 7.5 μm in length. Microtubules were missing inside the cores of the VP. The three caprine Sarcocystis species were molecularly characterized on the level of the 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, and Cox1 genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed El-Morsey
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, 33 El Buhouth St. (former El-Tahrir St.), Dokki, Giza, P.O. 12622, Egypt.
| | - Walied Abdo
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, 33516, Egypt
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Nawshirwan S, Heucken N, Piekarek N, van Beers T, Fulgham-Scott N, Grandoch A, Neiss WF, Vogt J, Barham M. Morphological, ultrastructural, genetic characteristics and remarkably low prevalence of macroscopic Sarcocystis species isolated from sheep and goats in Kurdistan region, Iraq. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1225796. [PMID: 37841456 PMCID: PMC10569315 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1225796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sarcocystis is a genus of cyst-forming parasites that infest both humans and livestock. Some parasites cause clinical and subclinical diseases in their hosts, resulting in economic losses. Methods Esophagus, diaphragm, and skeletal muscle from slaughtered sheep and goats were examined macroscopically, microscopically, and ultrastructurally and subjected to DNA analysis. Results We isolated macrocysts of S. gigantea and of S. caprafelis moulei from naturally infected sheep (Ovis aries) and goats (Capra hircus). The macrocyst wall thickness was 18.9 µm in sheep and 15.3 µm in goats, and consisted of an inner Periodic acid Schiff- (PAS) negative primary wall and an outer glycoconjugates containing i.e. PAS-positive secondary wall. The walls inner surface was compartmentalized and filled with bradyzoites. In S. gigantea the bradyzoites were approximently 12.3 x 2.6 µm in size, while in S. caprafelis moulei they were 13.9 x 4.4 µm. Ultrastructurally, both species have nearly identical morphology: cauliflower-like protrusions with numerous microtubules and often dendritic-like filaments, branching from the primary wall. The 18S rRNA gene in S. gigantea was 85.9% identical to that in S. medusiformis and 80.4% to the S. caprafelis moulei gene. The 28S rRNA gene in S. gigantea was 94.6% identical to that in S. medusiformis and 97.3% to the S. caprafelis moulei. Conclusion This study is the first to (i) detail the ultrastructure of the macrocyst wall of S. caprafelis moulei, (ii) identify S. medusiformis in Iraqi sheep, and (iii) compare the prevalence of macroscopic Sarcocystis at different time periods within the same region. A positive finding was the reduction of macroscopic sarcocystosis occurrences (0.01% in sheep and 0.02% in goats) compared to our previous data from 1992 (4.1%: sheep, 33.6%: goats).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole Heucken
- Department II of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nadin Piekarek
- Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tim van Beers
- Department I of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nicole Fulgham-Scott
- Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Andrea Grandoch
- Department for Oral and Craniomaxillofacial and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Wolfram F. Neiss
- Department I of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Johannes Vogt
- Department II of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence for Aging Research (CECAD) and Center of Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mohammed Barham
- Department II of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Marandykina-Prakienė A, Butkauskas D, Gudiškis N, Juozaitytė-Ngugu E, Bagdonaitė DL, Kirjušina M, Calero-Bernal R, Prakas P. Sarcocystis Species Richness in Sheep and Goats from Lithuania. Vet Sci 2023; 10:520. [PMID: 37624307 PMCID: PMC10458481 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10080520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Contradictory data is available on the intermediate host specificity of Sarcocystis spp. in farm animals. Therefore, the current work aimed at molecularly testing samples of sheep and goats reared in Lithuania to identify Sarcocystis species described in other intermediate hosts but suspected to be non-canonical parasites to these small ruminants. For this purpose, muscle samples from 47 domestic sheep and nine goats were examined. Sarcocystis species were identified using direct and nested PCR targeting cox1 and sequencing of positive amplified products. Along with the detection of the canonical Sarcocystis spp. in their respective intermediate hosts, the DNA of S. capracanis and S. morae was detected in sheep, although these species were previously thought to be specific to goats and deer, respectively. In addition, DNA from S. arieticanis and S. tenella was found in goats, even though these two species were believed to be sheep-specific. Notably, under light microscopy, only sarcocysts of S. capracanis specific to goats were observed. Thus, future research on the life cycle and host-specificity of Sarcocystis spp. examined is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Marandykina-Prakienė
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.M.-P.); (D.B.); (N.G.); (E.J.-N.); (D.L.B.)
| | - Dalius Butkauskas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.M.-P.); (D.B.); (N.G.); (E.J.-N.); (D.L.B.)
| | - Naglis Gudiškis
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.M.-P.); (D.B.); (N.G.); (E.J.-N.); (D.L.B.)
| | - Evelina Juozaitytė-Ngugu
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.M.-P.); (D.B.); (N.G.); (E.J.-N.); (D.L.B.)
| | - Dovilė Laisvūnė Bagdonaitė
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.M.-P.); (D.B.); (N.G.); (E.J.-N.); (D.L.B.)
| | - Muza Kirjušina
- Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, Parādes Street 1A, 5401 Daugavpils, Latvia;
| | - Rafael Calero-Bernal
- SALUVET Group, Animal Health Department, Complutense University, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Petras Prakas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.M.-P.); (D.B.); (N.G.); (E.J.-N.); (D.L.B.)
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Molecular Identification of Sarcocystis Species in Sheep from Lithuania. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12162048. [PMID: 36009638 PMCID: PMC9404443 DOI: 10.3390/ani12162048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Data on the distribution of different Sarcocystis species in various muscles of sheep are scarce. In the present study, 190 diaphragm, oesophagus, and heart muscle samples of 69 sheep raised in Lithuania were examined for the presence of Sarcocystis spp. Under a light microscope, two morphological types of microcysts corresponding to S. arieticanis and S. tenella were detected. Eight and 12 sarcocysts of S. arieticanis and S. tenella, respectively, were isolated and characterised by the sequencing of a portion of cox1. The sequence comparisons revealed the highest similarity between European and Asian isolates of S. arieticanis and S. tenella obtained from domestic sheep and other wild Caprinae hosts. Based on peptic digestion, nested PCR targeting cox1, and sequencing, a 100% infection prevalence of S. arieticanis and S. tenella was observed in the 69 studied animals. The occurrence of S. tenella was significantly higher in the diaphragm than in the oesophagus (χ2 = 13.14, p < 0.001), whereas differences in the prevalence of S. arieticanis in the studied muscle types were insignificant (χ2 = 1.28, p > 0.05). Further molecularly based epidemiological studies are needed to compare the prevalence of Sarcocystis species in various muscles of sheep raised in different geographic regions.
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Strazdaitė-Žielienė Ž, Baranauskaitė A, Butkauskas D, Servienė E, Prakas P. Molecular Identification of Parasitic Protozoa Sarcocystis in Water Samples. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9080412. [PMID: 36006327 PMCID: PMC9412564 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9080412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Members of the genus Sarcocystis are protozoan parasites having two-host prey–predator cycle. These parasites are widespread in farm animals. Sarcocystis species are characterized morphologically in intermediate hosts, and these parasites are identified in definitive hosts by molecular methods. Thus far, only few studies have been conducted on Sarcocystis parasites in environmental samples. The aim of the present work was to evaluate several sample preparation and polymerase chain reaction methods for the identification of several Sarcocystis species in water samples. Overall, 114 samples collected from various water sources, ponds, canals, lakes, lagoons, and rivers in Lithuania were tested for the presence of Sarcocystis spp. Based on molecular methods, eight Sarcocystis species, S. bovifelis, S. cruzi, S. hirsuta, S. arieticanis, S. tenella, S. capracanis, S. bertrami, and S. miescheriana, were identified. The main intermediate hosts of detected Sarcocystis parasites are cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and pigs. Further, more sensitive molecular techniques are needed for the development of the diagnosis of Sarcocystis species in water bodies. Abstract Sarcocystis parasites are among the most common parasitic protozoa in farm animals. So far, the diversity of these parasites has been mainly studied in animal carcasses by morphological or molecular methods. Research on parasitic protozoa in environmental samples is scarce due to the lack of an appropriate methodology and low concentrations of parasites. For these reasons, there is a paucity of validated methods for Sarcocystis identification from environmental samples. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate various molecular methods for Sarcocystis parasite identification in water samples. In the present study, the sample volume, sporocysts isolation, and various conventional PCR were evaluated, and species-specific primers for the identification of different Sarcocystis species have been developed. Of the methods studied, based on data the most appropriate method for the identification of analyzed Sarcocystis spp. in water bodies is nested PCR, using species-specific primers targeting the cox1 gene. Sarcocystis DNA was detected in 111 out of 114 (97.4%) samples. This paper represents the first identification of S. bovifelis, S. cruzi, S. hirsuta, S. arieticanis, S. tenella, S. capracanis, S. bertrami, and S. miescheriana by PCR and sequencing in environmental water samples. Our pilot study is useful in developing techniques for the identification of Sarcocystis species from water samples.
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Dessì G, Tamponi C, Pasini C, Porcu F, Meloni L, Cavallo L, Sini MF, Knoll S, Scala A, Varcasia A. A survey on Apicomplexa protozoa in sheep slaughtered for human consumption. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1437-1445. [PMID: 35192068 PMCID: PMC8993733 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07469-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Infections with the Apicomplexa Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Sarcocystis spp. are common causes of reproductive disorders in sheep. However, few epidemiological studies regarding co-infections with these three protozoa are reported in sheep in Italy. For this reason, this study aims to evaluate possible co-infections with T. gondii, N. caninum, and Sarcocystis spp. in sheep slaughtered for human consumption. From April to July 2019, individual blood, brain, heart, and diaphragm samples were collected from 138 sheep after slaughtering. The presence of IgG anti-Toxoplasma in serum samples was evaluated through ELISA. DNA of the three protozoa was investigated using specific PCRs. Co-infection with T. gondii, N. caninum and Sarcocystis spp. was found in 66.7% of the examined sheep. Antibodies against T. gondii were found in the 36.2% of serum samples. The presence of T. gondii DNA was detected in the 67.4%, 77.5%, and 21.7% of the brain, heart, and diaphragm samples, respectively. Neospora caninum DNA was found in 72.5% of the examined brain samples. Sarcocystis spp. DNA was detected in 92% and 52.2% of the heart and diaphragm samples, respectively. Sequence analysis of the Sarcocystis spp. revealed the sole presence of Sarcocystis tenella. The present study demonstrates that sheep have a high risk of infection with the three Apicomplexa investigated, suggesting the need to adopt adequate measures to prevent the spread of these parasitic infections considering their clinical and economic impact on ovine production. Furthermore, the possible role sheep play in the zoonotic transmission of toxoplasmosis to humans was highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Dessì
- Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Claudia Tamponi
- Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Cinzia Pasini
- Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Francesca Porcu
- Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Luisa Meloni
- Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Lia Cavallo
- Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Sini
- Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Stephane Knoll
- Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonio Scala
- Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonio Varcasia
- Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.
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Juozaitytė-Ngugu E, Švažas S, Šneideris D, Rudaitytė-Lukošienė E, Butkauskas D, Prakas P. The Role of Birds of the Family Corvidae in Transmitting Sarcocystis Protozoan Parasites. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113258. [PMID: 34827989 PMCID: PMC8614389 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Members of the genus Sarcocystis are protozoan parasites that infect mammals, birds, and reptiles. Sarcocystis spp. have an obligatory two-host prey-predator life cycle. Sarcocysts form in the muscles and central nervous system of the intermediate host, while oocysts and sporocysts develop in the small intestine of the definitive host. There is a lack of studies on omnivorous birds of family Corvidae as potential definitive hosts of Sarcocystis spp. Until now, only S. ovalis has been confirmed to be transmitted via corvids. In the current study, 91 small intestine samples from six corvid species from Lithuania were examined for the presence of Sarcocystis spp. that use birds, carnivorous mammals, and cervids as intermediate hosts. Oocysts of Sarcocystis spp. were observed in 43 samples (47.3%) using a light microscope. Based on molecular methods, 11 Sarcocystis spp., (S. columbae, S. cornixi, S. halieti, S. kutkienae, S. lari, S. turdusi, S. wobeseri, S. arctica, S. lutrae, S. ovalis, and S. oviformis) were identified. These results indicate that corvids may transmit some species of Sarcocystis that use birds and mammals as intermediate hosts. Abstract Members of the family Corvidae are ecologically flexible omnivorous birds, particularly adaptive to urban habitats, and living in proximity to humans; these birds may serve as definitive hosts (DH) for Sarcocystis spp., but research about this is lacking. In the present study, intestinal samples from 91 corvids collected in Lithuania were molecularly tested by species-specific PCR targeting the ITS1 and cox1 genes and subsequently sequenced for the presence of Sarcocystis spp. Under a light microscope, oocysts of Sarcocystis spp. were observed in 43 samples (47.3%), while molecular methods, detected Sarcocystis spp. in 77 birds (84.6%). Eleven Sarcocystis spp. (S. columbae, S. cornixi, potentially pathogenic S. halieti, S. kutkienae, S. lari, S. turdusi, S. wobeseri, S. arctica, S. lutrae, S. ovalis, and S. oviformis) were identified in the intestinal samples from six corvid species from Lithuania. Infections with multiple Sarcocystis spp. were detected in 79.2% of the infected corvid birds. Three of the identified Sarcocystis spp. use corvids as intermediate hosts (IH); therefore, corvids may serve as IH and DH of the same Sarcocystis species. Based on molecular results and on corvid diet, omnivorous corvids may play an important role in transmitting Sarcocystis spp.
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10
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Delgado-de Las Cuevas GE, Prakas P, Rudaitytė-Lukošienė E, García-Gil ML, Martínez-González M, Butkauskas D, Mowery JD, Dubey JP, Habela MA, Calero-Bernal R. First description of Sarcocystis species infecting Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia). Parasitol Res 2021; 120:2881-2886. [PMID: 34251515 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07239-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia) is a North African native wild Caprinae, introduced in the 1970s in new territories such as Spain, the USA, and Mexico. Here, we describe Sarcocystis species in Barbary sheep. Sarcocysts were found in 19 out of 56 adult A. lervia in Southern Spain and characterized morphologically and molecularly. By light microscopy, sarcocysts had thin (< 1 μm) or thick (> 2 μm) walls. By transmission electron microscopy, sarcocysts with thick walls had Type 14 villar protrusions corresponding to S. tenella/S. capracanis of domestic sheep (Ovis aries) or goats (Capra hircus). Sarcocysts with thin walls had Type 7b villar protrusions that corresponded to S. arieticanis/S. hircicanis of domestic sheep or goats. Molecular analyses allowed the identification of only thick-walled Sarcocystis species. Six sarcocysts were assigned to S. tenella (99.2-100% and 95.6-100% sequence similarity within 18S rRNA and COI, respectively) and 19 sarcocysts were assigned to S. capracanis (98.5-99.8% and 97.9-99.0% sequence similarity within 18S rRNA and COI, respectively). Further studies are needed for taxonomic identification of sarcocysts in Barbary sheep because Sarcocystis species in sheep and goats are not cross transmissible despite morphological similarities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Petras Prakas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | - María L García-Gil
- Spanish National Microscopy Centre, Av. Complutense s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Martínez-González
- Animal Health Department, University of Extremadura, Avda. Universidad s/n, 10071, Cáceres, Spain
| | | | - Joseph D Mowery
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Building 1001, Beltsville, MD, 20705-2350, USA
| | - Jitender P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Electron and Confocal Microscopy Unit, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 12, Beltsville, MD, 20705-2350, USA
| | - Miguel A Habela
- Animal Health Department, University of Extremadura, Avda. Universidad s/n, 10071, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Rafael Calero-Bernal
- SALUVET Group, Animal Health Department, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Complutense s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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11
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Bayati SMH. In Vitro Genotoxic Effects of Sarcocystis gigantea Cystizoites Acetone Powder Extract on Sheep Lymphocytes. THE IRAQI JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.30539/ijvm.v45i1.1039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The toxin of the protozoan intracellular parasite of sheep Sarcocystis gigantea is associated with many clinical and pathological signs. The aim of the study was to investigate In Vitro various chromosomal aberrations due to sarcocystosis infection. Macrocysts of Sarcocystis gigantea were isolated from local karadi sheep, homogenized with glass Dounce homogenizer; acetone powder was prepared from it and used in various concentrations to investigate the chromosomal aberration in vitro against sheep lymphocytes. The direct effects of parasite cystizoites acetone powder revealed various genotoxicity effects. These effects included chromosomal aberration (Isogap, Breaks and Dicentrics) and chromatids aberration (Gap and Deletion). It had also an effect on the mitotic index of the lymphocyte cells division. These genotoxicities were studied for the first time with in vitro technique using sheep lymphocytes. These results reflected that Sarcocystis gigantean parasite could cause structural and internal aberration in the chromosomes of their hosts.
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12
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Molecular and Microscopic Investigation of Sarcocystis Species Isolated from Sheep Muscles in Iran. J FOOD QUALITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1155/2021/5562517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcocystis species is a genus of cyst-forming parasites infecting both humans and animals globally. Some of these species cause clinical and subclinical diseases in the host and may lead to economic losses. This study was carried out to identify the distribution patterns of Sarcocystis spp. in slaughtered sheep based on the digestion method and PCR-RFLP in Isfahan, the center of Iran. In total, 150 fresh muscle samples (30 hearts, 60 esophagi, and 60 diaphragms) were investigated by naked eye observation and then scrutinized based on the digestion method. To this end, pepsin and HCl were used to observe the Sarcocystis parasite via a light microscope. The PCR was carried out to intensify a fragment of the 18S rRNA gene. Afterward, the PCR products were exposed to digestion by endonuclease TaqI, HindII, EcoRI, and AvaI. Consequently, the results of RFLP were confirmed by sequencing, and the phylogenetic placement of all species was analyzed. Through the examination by the naked eye, 5/150 (3.33%) macroscopic cysts were found in the samples. With the tissue digestion and microscopic examination, 116 (77.33%) samples were positive for Sarcocystis spp.; however, 125 (83.33%) samples were positive with PCR. Moreover, the results of sequence analysis on macrocysts and microcysts showed that 4% and 96% of the species belonged to S. gigantea and S. tenella, respectively. According to the results of the current study, sarcocystosis caused by S. tenella are highly prevalent among sheep in the Isfahan region. Due to the high prevalence of Sarcocystis infection in the world and Iran, the development of disease control and prevention policies in sheep would be essential, and changing attitudes in the way of keeping livestock from the traditional type to the industrial method is recommended in this regard.
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13
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Prakas P, Rehbein S, Rudaitytė-Lukošienė E, Butkauskas D. Molecular identification of Sarcocystis species in diaphragm muscle tissue of European mouflon (Ovis gmelini musimon) from Austria. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:2695-2702. [PMID: 34164716 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07212-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Previous morphological studies suggested that mouflon may have sarcocysts similar to those of sheep. However, to date, no molecular-based studies of the species of Sarcocystis infecting mouflon have been done. The present study identified Sarcocystis species in diaphragm muscle samples from 20 European mouflon (Ovis gmelini musimon). Molecular identification using the cox1 sequence analysis was performed on sarcocysts excised from muscle tissue and on DNA from digested muscle samples. Both frequency and intensity of infection in mouflon were high with 19 of 20 animals testing Sarcocystis positive and > 50 cysts per gram of tissue recovered from 10 of the 19 Sarcocystis positive animals. Molecular analysis revealed dominant Sarcocystis tenella (18/19 animals) and Sarcocystis arieticanis (1/19 animals), whose known intermediate hosts are sheep. In addition, Sarcocystis capracanis, which is known to form sarcocysts in goats, was detected in two animals. The results of this study demonstrated the digestion method to be superior over the direct isolation of sarcocysts for the molecular identification of Sarcocystis species in a certain host. Future research of Sarcocystis diversity in wild ovine and caprine species is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petras Prakas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Steffen Rehbein
- Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, Kathrinenhof Research Center, Rohrdorf, Germany
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14
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Rosenthal BM. Zoonotic Sarcocystis. Res Vet Sci 2021; 136:151-157. [PMID: 33626441 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Apicomplexan species in the genus Sarcocystis form tissue cysts, in their intermediate hosts, similar to those established in chronic toxoplasmosis. More than 200 species are known, but just a few are known to threaten human health owing to infection in livestock species. Intestinal sarcocystosis occurs when people consume raw or undercooked beef contaminated with Sarcocystis hominis or S. heydorni or undercooked pork contaminated with S. suihominis. Those infections may cause mild enteritis, but most infections are thought to be asymptomatic. People also become dead-end (intermediate) hosts for non-human Sarcocystis spp. after accidentally ingesting sporocysts, leading to extraintestinal sarcocystosis. The clinical spectrum may range from asymptomatic muscle cysts to a severe, acute, eosinophilic myositis associated with systemic symptoms with peripheral eosinophilia. Most human cases have been described from Southeast Asia, but Sarcocystis parasites have a worldwide distribution, especially where livestock is raised, and human infections in other areas have been described but may be underrecognized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin M Rosenthal
- Animal Parasitic Disease Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture- Agricultural Research Service, 10300, Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705, United States of America.
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15
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El-Morsey A, Abdo W, Zaid AAA, Sorour SSG. Morphologic and molecular identification of three macroscopic Sarcocystis species infecting domestic sheep (Ovis aries) and cattle (Bos taurus) in Egypt. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:637-654. [PMID: 33459850 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-07002-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
In a survey study on the macroscopic species of Sarcocystis infecting domestic sheep (Ovis aries) and cattle (Bos taurus) in Egypt, the macrosarcocysts of Sarcocystis gigantea and Sarcocystis medusiformis were detected in the carcasses of 33 domestic sheep out of a total of 250 (13.20%), whereas Sarcocystis hirsuta macrosarcocysts were found in 17 out of 150 cattle (11.33%) slaughtered at the municipal abattoirs of two different provinces in Egypt. The sarcocysts of each species were thoroughly described morphologically through gross inspection, histopathologic and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) examination. By TEM, S. gigantea primary cyst wall was 6-7.5 μm thick and had irregular highly branched cauliflower-like villar protrusions (VP).The VP contained microtubules (mt) and multiple electron dense granules (edg) that were dispersed inside the cores of the branched VP. Besides, the parasitophorous vacuolar membrane (PVM) had minute blister-like invaginations all over the entire surface of the sarcocyst. S. medusiformis cyst had a thin sarcocyst wall (~2 μm thick) as compared to that of S. gigantea. The cyst wall had trapezoidal or nearly pyramidal VP that were surrounded by thick PVM in addition to a ground substance GS that contained electron-dense fine particles. S. hirsuta sarcocyst wall was 7-9 μm thick and possessed rhomboid-shaped VP that contained microtubules (mt) and electron-dense granules (edg) of variable sizes. The edg were arranged in rows and running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the protrusions. The VP had characteristic narrow neck-like constrictions at their bases, dilated middle portions, and tapered distal ends. The detected macrosarcocysts were eventually confirmed by molecular characterization on the levels of 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, and Cox1 sequences. Phylogenetic analyses based on the sequences of the 18S rRNA and Cox1 genetic markers gave rise to robust associations of the currently identified isolates of S. gigantea, S. medusiformis, and S. hirsuta within a major clade of Sarcocystis species with felines as presumed or known definitive hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed El-Morsey
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, Veterinary Research Division, National Research Centre, 33 El Buhouth St. (former El-Tahrir St.), Dokki, P.O. 12622, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Walied Abdo
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, KafrElsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, 33516, Egypt
| | - Attia A Abou Zaid
- Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences, Kafr El-sheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt
| | - Shimaa Sobhy Gharib Sorour
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafr El-Sheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, 33516, Egypt
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16
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Sun Y, Ju J, Su X, Xie C, Li Y, Kang M. Infection survey and morphological characteristics of Sarcocystis spp. in naturally infected Tibetan sheep from Qinghai in northwestern China. Parasitol Int 2020; 80:102219. [PMID: 33160051 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Sarcocystosis is a parasitic disease caused by intracellular coccidian protozoans that belong to the genus Sarcocystis. These parasites can cause diseases of the nervous system, abortion and economically significant losses in host animals. Previous studies have reported that Sarcocystis is found in mammals, birds and reptiles, while molecular and morphological studies of infected Tibetan sheep have not been performed in the Qinghai region. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. in Tibetan sheep in Qinghai, northwestern China. The results showed that in 1155 samples, sarcocysts from unspecified species were found in 50% (577/1155) of the sheep tissues by microscopy detection. The positive rates of sarcocysts in the diaphragmatic, esophageal and cardiac muscles were 78.4% (175/223), 29.1% (207/711), and 88.2% (195/221), respectively. Ultrastructural features were exclusively observed in Sarcocystis gigantea in the esophageal tissues. The specific architecture was characterized as a space between the two layers of the original capsule wall, which was filled with fiber bundles and tissue fluid. Cauliflower-like protrusions of the original capsule wall were observed toward the outer surface of the capsule. Prominent protrusions contained fibers and matrix. In addition, the Sarcocystis 18S rRNA genes from 6 esophageal tissue samples were cloned, sequenced, and aligned to related sequences from GenBank. All 5 S. gigantea sequences examined in this study were grouped into the same cluster and belonged to the same genotype. The other 5 Sarcocystis tenella sequences were obtained from cardiac muscle and diaphragm muscle and belonged to the same clade. Overall, this study revealed a high infection rate of Sarcocystis in Tibetan sheep in the region. The results of this study may provide a reference for further research investigating the sarcocystosis epidemic in Qinghai, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, PR China; College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, PR China
| | - Jinling Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, PR China; College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, PR China
| | - Xiaoxue Su
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, PR China; College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, PR China
| | - Caiying Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, PR China; College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, PR China
| | - Ying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, PR China; College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, PR China
| | - Ming Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, PR China; College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, PR China.
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17
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Basso W, Alvarez Rojas CA, Buob D, Ruetten M, Deplazes P. Sarcocystis infection in red deer (Cervus elaphus) with eosinophilic myositis/fasciitis in Switzerland and involvement of red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes) and hunting dogs in the transmission. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2020; 13:130-141. [PMID: 33083225 PMCID: PMC7551655 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Red deer (Cervus elaphus) carcasses showing grey-greenish discolouration have been increasingly observed in the canton of Grisons, Switzerland. We investigated whether Sarcocystis infections were associated with this pathology, and whether wild and domestic canids were involved in their transmission. Meat from affected red deer (n = 26), faeces and intestines from red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) (n = 126), and faeces from hunting dogs (n = 12) from the region, were analysed. Eosinophilic myositis and/or fasciitis were diagnosed in 69% of the deer, and sarcocysts were observed in 89% of the animals. Molecular typing targeting a ~700bp variable region of the 18S rRNA gene revealed Sarcocystis hjorti in 73%, S. venatoria/S. iberica in 54%, S. linearis/S. taeniata in 12%, S. pilosa in 8% and S. ovalis in 4% of the deer samples. No inflammatory changes were observed in red deer carcasses with normal appearance (n = 8); however, sarcocysts were observed in one sample, and S. hjorti, S. venatoria/S. iberica or S. silva DNA was detected in five samples. Sarcocystis oocysts/sporocysts were observed in 11/106 faecal and 6/20 intestinal fox samples, and in 2/12 canine samples. Sarcocystis tenella (n = 8), S. hjorti (n = 2), S. gracilis (n = 2), and S. miescheriana (n = 1) were identified in foxes, and S. gracilis (n = 2), S. capreolicanis (n = 1) and S. linearis/S. taeniata (n = 1) in dogs. This study provides first molecular evidence of S. pilosa and S. silva infection in red deer and S. linearis/S. taeniata in dogs and represents the first record of S. ovalis transmitted by corvids in Central Europe. Although Sarcocystis species infecting red deer are not regarded as zoonotic, the affected carcasses can be declared as unfit for human consumption due to the extensive pathological changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, CH, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Cristian A Alvarez Rojas
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, CH, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Buob
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, CH, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maja Ruetten
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 286, CH, 8057, Switzerland
| | - Peter Deplazes
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, CH, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
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18
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Abdel-Gaber R, Al Quraishy S, Dkhil MA, Alghamdi J, Al-Shaebi E. Molecular phylogeny of Sarcocystis fayeri (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) from the domestic horse Equus caballus based on 18S rRNA gene sequences and its prevalence. Lett Appl Microbiol 2020; 71:377-385. [PMID: 32472702 DOI: 10.1111/lam.13335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Sarcocystosis is a parasitic disease caused by an intracellular protozoan parasite Sarcocystis belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa. These parasites have a requisite two-host life cycle. Recently, there are many Sarcocystis species that identified morphologically. In the present study, diaphragmatic muscle samples from the domestic horse (Equus caballus) were examined for Sarcocystis infection. The natural infection with sarcocysts was recorded to be 62·5% for only microcysts in the infected muscles. Molecular analysis using the 18S rRNA gene was conducted to swiftly and accurately identify the recovered species. Studies on the expression of the 18S rRNA gene have confirmed that the present parasite isolates belong to the Sarcocystis genus. The sequence data showed significant identities (>80%) with archived gene sequences from species within the Sarcocystidae family, and a dendrogram showing the phylogenetic relationship was constructed. The most closely related species were the previously described Sarcocystis fayeri and Sarcocystis bertrami. The current data showed that the present species was identified as S. fayeri and deposited in GenBank (accession number MF614956.1). This study highlights the importance of the genetic data in the exact taxonomy within sarcocystid species.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Abdel-Gaber
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - S Al Quraishy
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - M A Dkhil
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - J Alghamdi
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - E Al-Shaebi
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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