First molecular identification and phylogenetic illustration of Sarcocystis species infection in Red Sea shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus Rafinesque, 1810).

ABSTRACT:

Background

members of the genus Sarcocystis are intracellular obligate protozoan parasites classified within the phylum Apicomplexa and have an obligate heteroxenous life cycle involving two hosts. A more comprehensive understanding of the prevalence and geographic range of different Sarcocystis species in marine ecosystems is needed globally and nationally. Hence, the objective of this study was to document the incidence of Sarcocystis infection in sharks within the aquarium ecosystem of Egypt and to identify the species through the characterization of the SSU rDNA gene.

Methods

All organs of the mako shark specimen underwent macroscopic screening to detect the existence of a Sarcocystis cyst. Ten cysts were collected from the intestine and processed separately to extract t

SUBMITTER: Ahmed NHM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10941371 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature