Identification of Sarcocystis spp. in Slaughtered Sheep from Spain and Evaluation of Bradyzoite Viability after Freezing.

ABSTRACT: Sarcocystis spp. are complex apicomplexan parasites that cause a substantial economic impact on livestock used for meat production. These parasites are present worldwide. Our study aimed to identify Sarcocystis species affecting sheep meat in southern-central Spain and to evaluate the effectiveness of freezing for parasite inactivation. A total of 210 condemned samples of sheep meat were thoroughly assessed grossly and microscopically; the presence of macro- and microcysts was confirmed. The samples were then frozen at -20 °C for various time intervals (24, 48, 72, 96, 120, and 144 h) and compared with untreated samples. Bradyzoites were isolated through pepsin digestion for subsequent molecular analysis and viability assessment, employing trypan blue and double fluorescence

SUBMITTER: Peris MP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10975153 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature