article · Acta Parasitologica
This research conducted a comparative analysis of four genetic markers (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, mitochondrial cox1, and ITS-1) to identify and characterise *Sarcocystis tenella* and *Sarcocystis arieticanis* isolates found in domestic sheep from Egypt. The study revealed genetic variations among the isolates, with 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA showing 95% and 95-96% variation respectively, while cox1 and ITS-1 showed 76-78% and 70-73% sequence identities. *S. tenella* was found to be closely related to *S. capracanis* (infecting goats), and *S. arieticanis* was closely related to *S. hircicanis*. The findings indicate that cox1 and ITS-1 gene sequences are more effective genetic markers than 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA for characterising ovine *Sarcocystis* species. Both identified species belong to a group of *Sarcocystis* species that use carnivorous animals as final hosts.
Understanding the genetic makeup and relationships of *Sarcocystis* parasites in sheep is crucial for animal health. Accurate identification of these parasites can lead to better diagnostic tools and more effective strategies for managing and controlling sarcocystosis, a disease that can impact livestock productivity and food safety.
This early-stage research provides foundational genetic information that could be used by veterinary diagnostic companies or research organisations. The identification of more effective genetic markers (cox1 and ITS-1) could lead to the development of improved, more precise diagnostic tests for *Sarcocystis* infections in sheep, benefiting livestock farmers and the animal health industry. The abstract does not indicate any near-market products or specific user applications beyond this potential for diagnostic tool development.
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Comparative analyses of the sequences of the four genetic markers (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, mitochondrial cox1 and ITS-1) for S.tenella and S.arieticanis isolates detected herein, revealed genetic variations of 95% and 95- 96% among the different isolates on the level of the 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA, respectively. Whereas, the cox1 and ITS-1 shared sequence identities of 76-78% and 70-73%, respectively. S.tenella was strongly related to S.capracanis infecting goats (Capra hircus). Sequence identity of 98% on the level of 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA genes was observed between the currently identified isolates of S.tenella and the formerly GenBank deposited isolates of S.capracanis. While, cox1 sequences shared identities of 92-93%. Furthermore, S.arieticanis isolates identified here were closely related to the formerly published sequences of S.hircicanis. The 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA sequences of S.arieticanis shared 98% and 94-95% identities with those of S.hircicanis, respectively. However, 87-88% homologies were observed between the cox1 sequences of S.arieticanis and S.hircicanis. Consequently, cox1 and ITS-1 gene sequences act as better genetic markers than 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA sequences for the characterization of ovine Sarcocystis spp. Maximum parsimony analyses based on the sequences of three genetic markers, (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA and mitochondrial cox1), yielded the same placement of the currently identified isolates of the two taxa (S.tenella and S.arieticanis) within a clade of Sarcocystis species with carnivorous animals as known, or assumed, final hosts.
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DOI: 10.2478/s11686-019-00070-8
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