High Occurrence of Sarcocystis Cysts in Meat Produced in Yazd, Central Iran

Background: Sarcocystosis is one of the most widespread parasitic diseases in cattle caused by three main species of Sarcocystis genus. The major aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. in meat produced in Yazd, central Iran with special reference to species identification, using Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).  Methods: During March 2012 to May 2013, samples were randomly collected from esophagus, heart, diaphragm, intercostal muscle and tongue of 120 slaughtered cattle at Yazd, central Iran. After DNA extraction, PCR-RFLP was used for detection and identification of Sarcocystis spp. The statistical analysis was performed by Chi-Square test, using SPSS software (v. 16.0). Results: The molecular analysis showed that Sarcocystis spp. was found in 112 of 120 (93.3%) slaughtered cattle. The prevalence of S. cruzi, S. hirsuta and S. hominis were 90%, 38.3% and 57.5% respectively. Among the 112 infected cattle, single and multiple (infected by more than one species) infection were seen in 45 and 67 cattle, respectively. No significant association was detected between sex, age, sample type and the prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. (p>0.05). Conclusion: Considering its public health importance, high prevalence of S. hominis should be highlighted in this region. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to be conducted in Iran. More detailed studies are needed to describe the distribution pattern and species identification of Sarcocycstis spp. in other regions of Iran.