Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Taenia multiceps from China

2018 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 721-727 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Tan ◽  
A.B. Wang ◽  
S.Q. Zheng ◽  
X.L. Zhang ◽  
C.J. Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Hunan Province ◽  
Biological Study ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Molecular Characteristics ◽  
12S Rrna ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Taenia Multiceps ◽  
Coenurus Cerebralis

Abstract Taenia multiceps, one of the most widely distributed zoonotic tapeworm parasites, is able to parasitize the small intestine of canids. The metacestode of T.multiceps is fatal to ruminants and causes important economic losses in livestock. However, molecular characteristics of T.multiceps and coenurus in China are still unclear. In this study, 36 goat isolates of the coenurus stage and 18 dog isolates of the adult stage of T.multiceps were obtained from three geographical areas in China and the isolated parasite above were analyzed by amplifying the partial of cytochrome coxidase subunit 1(pcox1), 12S ribosomal RNA (12S rRNA) from mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) regions and an internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of ribosomal DNA (rDNA). These DNA sequences obtained from T.multiceps and coenurus were employed to evaluate the nucleotide diversity and confirm the relationship between T.multiceps and coenurus. Sequences variation were 0–1.4%, 0–1.5%, 0–4.2% for pcox1, 12S rRNA and ITS, respectively, among T.multiceps and coenurus isolates obtained in this study. In Sichuan province, sequence variations for Coenurus cerebralis isolated from Yaan city were 0–1.4% for pcox1, 0–1.0% for 12S rRNA and 0–2.1% for ITS. In Hunan province, variations were 0–1.0%, 0–1.5% and 0–3.3% for corresponding genes for non-coenurus cerebralis isolated from Changsha city, while variations of T.multiceps isolates from Xiangxi autonomous prefecture were 0–1.0%, 0–1.1% and 0–3.4% for pcox1, 12S rRNA and ITS, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on pcox1 sequences indicated that all cerebral and noncerebral metacestodes belong to T.multiceps. These results provide reference values for future molecular epidemiological and biological study on T.multiceps in dogs and intermediate hosts.

scholarly journals Morphological and molecular characterization of Sarcocystis wenzeli in chickens (Gallus gallus) in China

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Pan ◽  
Chunli Ma ◽  
Zhumei Huang ◽  
Yulong Ye ◽  
Hongxia Zeng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
18S Rdna ◽  
Sequence Similarity ◽  
Rpob Gene ◽  
28S Rdna ◽  
Ground Substance ◽  
Molecular Characteristics ◽  
Cox1 Gene ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Sarcocystis Spp

Abstract Background: There has been considerable confusion concerning the number and classification of Sarcocystis spp. in chickens. Scarce nucleotide data of Sarcocystis spp. from chickens are provided in GenBank. The study aimed to investigate the morphological and molecular characteristics of Sarcocystis spp. found in chickens in China.Methods: Tissues from 33 chickens were collected in 2019. Sarcocysts were observed using light (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Individual sarcocysts from different chickens were selected for DNA extraction, and five loci, 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, ITS1 region, the mitochondrial cox1 gene and the apicoplastic rpoB gene, were amplified from each sarcocyst, sequenced and analyzed.Results: Only S. wenzeli was found in 14 of 33 (42.4%) chickens. Under LM, the sarcocysts were microscopic and exhibited palisade-like villar protrusions measuring 1.5–2.8 μm. Ultrastructurally, the sarcocyst wall contained numerous stubby hill-like villar protrusions. The protrusions included scattered microtubules, which extended from the tips of the protrusions into the ground substance. The five loci were successfully sequenced and the sequences deposited in GenBank. At 18S rDNA, ITS1 and cox1, the most similar sequences in GenBank were those of Sarcocystis sp. obtained from the brains of chickens, i.e. 99.9–100%, 98.1–98.5% and 99.3% identity, respectively. The five loci (18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, ITS1, cox1 and rpoB) showed different levels of interspecific sequence similarity with other closely related species of Sarcocystis (e.g. 99.8%, 99.0–99.2%, 89.3-89.7%, 98.5%, and 97.5%, respectively, with S. anasi). Phylogenetic analysis based on four of the loci (18S rDNA, cox1, rpoB and ITS1) revealed that S. wenzeli formed an independent clade with Sarcocystis spp. that utilize geese or ducks as intermediate hosts and canines as the known or presumed definitive host.Conclusions: To our knowledge, the sequences of 28S rDNA and rpoB reported here constitute the first records of genetic markers of Sarcocystis spp. in chickens. Based on molecular analysis, S. wenzeli might be responsible for the neurological disease in chickens, and ITS1 and rpoB are more suitable for discriminating it from closely related Sarcocystis spp. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that S. wenzeli presents a close relationship with Sarcocystis spp. in geese or ducks.

Species delimitation in trematodes using DNA sequences: Middle-American Clinostomum as a case study

Parasitology ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 143 (13) ◽  
pp. 1773-1789 ◽  
Author(s):  
GERARDO PÉREZ-PONCE DE LEÓN ◽  
MARTÍN GARCÍA-VARELA ◽  
CARLOS D. PINACHO-PINACHO ◽  
ANA L. SERENO-URIBE ◽  
ROBERT POULIN
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Species Delimitation ◽  
Nuclear Gene ◽  
Species Tree ◽  
Coi Gene ◽  
Complex Life Cycle ◽  
Species Boundaries ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Putative Species

SUMMARYThe recent development of genetic methods allows the delineation of species boundaries, especially in organisms where morphological characters are not reliable to differentiate species. However, few empirical studies have used these tools to delineate species among parasitic metazoans. Here we investigate the species boundaries of Clinostomum, a cosmopolitan trematode genus with complex life cycle. We sequenced a mitochondrial [cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI)] gene for multiple individuals (adults and metacercariae) from Middle-America. Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of the COI uncovered five reciprocally monophyletic clades. COI sequences were then explored using the Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery to identify putative species; this species delimitation method recognized six species. A subsample was sequenced for a nuclear gene (ITS1, 5·8S, ITS2), and a concatenated phylogenetic analysis was performed through Bayesian inference. The species delimitation of Middle-American Clinostomum was finally validated using a multispecies coalescent analysis (species tree). In total, five putative species are recognized among our samples. Mapping the second intermediate hosts (fish) onto the species tree suggests that metacercariae of these five species exhibit some level of host specificity towards their fish intermediate host (at the family level), irrespective of geographical distribution.

scholarly journals Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Sarcocystis Wenzeli in Chickens (Gallus gallus) in China

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Pan ◽  
Chunli Ma ◽  
Zhumei Huang ◽  
Yulong Ye ◽  
Hongxia Zeng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Related Species ◽  
18S Rdna ◽  
Sequence Similarity ◽  
28S Rdna ◽  
Ground Substance ◽  
Molecular Characteristics ◽  
Cox1 Gene ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Closely Related Species

Abstract Background: There has been considerable confusion concerning the number and classification of Sarcocystis spp. found in chickens. To date, no nucleotide sequences of Sarcocystis spp. from chickens have been provided in GenBank. The present study aimed to investigate the morphological and molecular characteristics of Sarcocystis spp. in chickens in China.Methods: Tissues from 33 chickens were collected in 2019. Sarcocysts were observed using light (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Individual sarcocysts from different chickens were selected for DNA extraction, and five loci, 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, the ITS-1 region (ITS-1), the mitochondrial cox1 gene (cox1), and the apicoplastic rpoB gene (rpoB), were amplified from each sarcocyst, cloned, sequenced and analyzed.Results: Only S. wenzeli was found in 14 of 33 (42.4%) chickens. Under LM, the sarcocysts were microscopic and exhibited palisade-like villar protrusions measuring 1.5–2.8 μm. The bradyzoites were lancet-shaped, measuring 9.2–12.6 × 1.5–3.5 μm. Ultrastructurally, the sarcocyst wall contained numerous stubby hill-like villar protrusions that were up to 1.2 μm long and 1.0 μm wide. The protrusions included scattered microtubules, which extended from the tips of the protrusions into the ground substance. The intraspecific similarity of the five loci (18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, ITS-1, cox1, and rpoB) among the newly obtained sequences ranged from 99.8–100%, 99.7–100%, 99.0–99.9%, 100% and 98.9–100%, respectively. The five loci showed different levels of interspecific sequence similarity with closely related species of Sarcocystis (e.g., 99.8%, 99.0–99.2%, 89.3-89.7%, 98.5%, and 97.5%, respectively, with S. anasi). Phylogenetic analysis based on three of the loci (18S rDNA, cox1, and rpoB) revealed that S. wenzeli formed an independent clade with Sarcocystis spp. that employ geese or ducks as intermediate hosts and canines as the known or presumed definitive host.Conclusions: The sequences of 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, ITS-1, cox1 and rpoB from S. wenzeli reported here constitute the first records of genetic markers of Sarcocystis from chickens made available in GenBank. Based on sequence analysis, ITS-1 and rpoB are more suitable for discriminating S. wenzeli from closely related species of Sarcocystis. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that S. wenzeli presents a close relationship with Sarcocystis spp. from geese or ducks.

scholarly journals Morphological and molecular characterization of Sarcocystis wenzeli in chickens (Gallus gallus) in China

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Pan ◽  
Chunli Ma ◽  
Zhumei Huang ◽  
Yulong Ye ◽  
Hongxia Zeng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
18S Rdna ◽  
Sequence Similarity ◽  
28S Rdna ◽  
Ground Substance ◽  
Molecular Characteristics ◽  
Cox1 Gene ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Rdna Its ◽  
Sarcocystis Spp

Abstract Background: There has been considerable confusion concerning the number and classification of Sarcocystis spp. in chickens. Scarce nucleotide data of Sarcocystis spp. from chickens are provided in GenBank. The study aimed to investigate the morphological and molecular characteristics of Sarcocystis spp. found in chickens in China. Methods: Tissues from 33 chickens were collected in 2019. Sarcocysts were observed using light (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Individual sarcocysts from different chickens were selected for DNA extraction, and five loci, 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, the ITS-1 region ( ITS-1 ), the mitochondrial cox1 gene ( cox1 ), and the apicoplastic rpoB gene ( rpoB ), were amplified from each sarcocyst, sequenced and analyzed. Results: Only S . wenzeli was found in 14 of 33 (42.4%) chickens. Under LM, the sarcocysts were microscopic and exhibited palisade-like villar protrusions measuring 1.5–2.8 μm. Ultrastructurally, the sarcocyst wall contained numerous stubby hill-like villar protrusions. The protrusions included scattered microtubules, which extended from the tips of the protrusions into the ground substance. The five loci were successfully sequenced and deposited in GenBank. At 18S rDNA, ITS-1 and cox1 , the most similar sequences in GenBank were those of Sarcocystis sp. obtained from the brains of chickens, i.e., 99.9–100%, 98.1–98.5%, and 99.3% identity, respectively. The five loci (18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, ITS-1 , cox1 and rpoB ) showed different levels of interspecific sequence similarity with other closely related species of Sarcocystis (e.g., 99.8%, 99.0–99.2%, 89.3-89.7%, 98.5%, and 97.5%, respectively, with S . anasi ). Phylogenetic analysis based on three of the loci (18S rDNA, cox1 , and rpoB ) revealed that S . wenzeli formed an independent clade with Sarcocystis spp. that employ geese or ducks as intermediate hosts and canines as the known or presumed definitive host. Conclusions: The sequences of 28S rDNA and rpoB reported here constitute the first records of genetic markers of Sarcocystis spp. in chickens. Based on molecular analysis, S . wenzeli might be responsible for the neurological disease in chickens, and ITS-1 and rpoB are more suitable for discriminating it from closely related Sarcocystis spp. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that S . wenzeli presents a close relationship with Sarcocystis spp. in geese or ducks.

scholarly journals Morphological and molecular characterization of Sarcocystis wenzeli in chickens (Gallus gallus) in China

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Pan ◽  
Chunli Ma ◽  
Zhumei Huang ◽  
Yulong Ye ◽  
Hongxia Zeng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Sequence Similarity ◽  
Ground Substance ◽  
Molecular Characteristics ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Close Relationship ◽  
Nucleotide Data

Abstract Background There has been considerable confusion concerning the number and classification of Sarcocystis spp. in chickens. Scarce nucleotide data of Sarcocystis spp. from chickens are provided in GenBank. The study aimed to investigate the morphological and molecular characteristics of Sarcocystis spp. found in chickens in China. Methods Tissues from 33 chickens were collected in 2019. Sarcocysts were observed using light (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Individual sarcocysts from different chickens were selected for DNA extraction, and five loci, 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, ITS1 region, the mitochondrial cox1 gene and the apicoplastic rpoB gene, were amplified from each sarcocyst, sequenced and analyzed. Results Only S. wenzeli was found in 14 of 33 (42.4%) chickens. Under LM, the sarcocysts were microscopic and exhibited palisade-like villar protrusions measuring 1.5–2.8 μm. Ultrastructurally, the sarcocyst wall contained numerous stubby hill-like villar protrusions. The protrusions included scattered microtubules, which extended from the tips of the protrusions into the ground substance. The five loci were successfully sequenced and the sequences deposited in GenBank. At 18S rDNA, ITS1 and cox1, the most similar sequences in GenBank were those of Sarcocystis sp. obtained from the brains of chickens, i.e. 99.9–100%, 98.1–98.5% and 99.3% identity, respectively. The five loci (18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, ITS1, cox1 and rpoB) showed different levels of interspecific sequence similarity with other closely related species of Sarcocystis (e.g. 99.8%, 99.0–99.2%, 89.3–89.7%, 98.5%, and 97.5%, respectively, with S. anasi). Phylogenetic analysis based on four of the loci (18S rDNA, cox1, rpoB and ITS1) revealed that S. wenzeli formed an independent clade with Sarcocystis spp. that utilize geese or ducks as intermediate hosts and canines as the known or presumed definitive host. Conclusions To our knowledge, the sequences of 28S rDNA and rpoB reported here constitute the first records of genetic markers of Sarcocystis spp. in chickens. Based on molecular analysis, S. wenzeli might be responsible for the neurological disease in chickens, and ITS1 and rpoB are more suitable for discriminating it from closely related Sarcocystis spp. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that S. wenzeli presents a close relationship with Sarcocystis spp. in geese or ducks.

scholarly journals Molecular Characterization of Annexin B2, B3 and B12 in Taenia multiceps

Genes ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 559 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng Guo ◽  
Yue Xie ◽  
Yuchen Liu ◽  
Ning Wang ◽  
Jiafei Zhan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Polyclonal Antibodies ◽  
Parasite Development ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Western Blots ◽  
Taenia Multiceps ◽  
Homologous Genes ◽  
Coenurus Cerebralis

Coenurus cerebralis, the metacestode of Taenia multiceps, causes coenurosis, a disease severely affecting goat, sheep, cattle and yak farming and resulting in huge economic losses annually. Annexins bind calcium ions and play an important role in flatworm parasite development. To explore potential functions of annexins in T. multiceps, three homologous genes, namely, TmAnxB2, TmAnxB3 and TmAnxB12, were screened from the transcriptome dataset, amplified from C. cerebralis cDNA and subjected to bioinformatics analysis. Then, polyclonal antibodies recognizing the recombinant TmAnxB2 (rTmAnxB2) and rTmAnxB3 were prepared for localization of TmAnxB2 and TmAnxB3 in different tissues and developmental stages by immunofluorescence. The transcription of all three genes was also measured by relative fluorescent quantitative PCR. The sizes of rTmAnxB2, rTmAnxB3 and rTmAnxB12 were 58.00, 53.06 and 53.51 kDa, respectively, and rTmAnxB12 was unstable. Both rTmAnxB2 and rTmAnxB3 were recognized by goat-positive T. multiceps sera in Western blots. Immunofluorescence revealed that TmAnxB2 and TmAnxB3 were localized in the protoscolex and cyst wall and TmAnxB3 was also detected in adult cortex. TmAnxB2 and TmAnxB12 mRNA levels were determined to be highest in oncospheres and protoscolex, whereas transcription of TmAnxB3 was highest in scolex and immature segments. Taken together, these findings indicate that TmAnxB2 and TmAnxB12 may play critical roles in T. multiceps larvae, while TmAnxB3 may have important functions in adults. These results will lay the foundation for functional research of annexins in T. multiceps.

scholarly journals Morphological and molecular characterization of Sarcocystis wenzeli in chickens (Gallus gallus) in China

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Pan ◽  
Chunli Ma ◽  
Zhumei Huang ◽  
Yulong Ye ◽  
Hongxia Zeng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
18S Rdna ◽  
Sequence Similarity ◽  
Rpob Gene ◽  
28S Rdna ◽  
Ground Substance ◽  
Molecular Characteristics ◽  
Cox1 Gene ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Rdna Its

Abstract Background: There has been considerable confusion concerning the number and classification of Sarcocystis spp. in chickens. Scarce nucleotide data of Sarcocystis spp. from chickens are provided in GenBank. The study aimed to investigate the morphological and molecular characteristics of Sarcocystis spp. found in chickens in China.Methods: Tissues from 33 chickens were collected in 2019. Sarcocysts were observed using light (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Individual sarcocysts from different chickens were selected for DNA extraction, and five loci, 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, ITS-1 region (ITS-1), the mitochondrial cox1 gene (cox1), and the apicoplastic rpoB gene (rpoB) , were amplified from each sarcocyst, sequenced and analyzed.Results: Only S. wenzeli was found in 14 of 33 (42.4%) chickens. Under LM, the sarcocysts were microscopic and exhibited palisade-like villar protrusions measuring 1.5–2.8 μm. Ultrastructurally, the sarcocyst wall contained numerous stubby hill-like villar protrusions. The protrusions included scattered microtubules, which extended from the tips of the protrusions into the ground substance. The five loci were successfully sequenced and deposited in GenBank. At 18S rDNA, ITS-1 and cox1, the most similar sequences in GenBank were those of Sarcocystis sp. obtained from the brains of chickens, i.e., 99.9–100%, 98.1–98.5% and 99.3% identity, respectively. The five loci (18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, ITS-1, cox1and rpoB) showed different levels of interspecific sequence similarity with other closely related species of Sarcocystis (e.g., 99.8%, 99.0–99.2%, 89.3-89.7%, 98.5%, and 97.5%, respectively, with S. anasi). Phylogenetic analysis based on four of the loci (18S rDNA, cox1, rpoB and ITS-1) revealed that S. wenzeli formed an independent clade with Sarcocystis spp. that employ geese or ducks as intermediate hosts and canines as the known or presumed definitive host.Conclusions: The sequences of 28S rDNA and rpoB reported here constitute the first records of genetic markers of Sarcocystis spp. in chickens. Based on molecular analysis, S. wenzeli might be responsible for the neurological disease in chickens, and ITS-1 and rpoB are more suitable for discriminating it from closely related Sarcocystis spp. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that S. wenzeli presents a close relationship with Sarcocystis spp. in geese or ducks.

Taeniasis in a German Shepherd Pup: A Case Report

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (01) ◽  
pp. 83-84
Author(s):  
B J Thakre ◽  
Joice P Joseph ◽  
Binod Kumar ◽  
Nilima Brahmbhatt ◽  
Krishna Gamit
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Definitive Host ◽  
Gastrointestinal Diseases ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
German Shepherd ◽  
Taenia Hydatigena ◽  
Taenia Multiceps ◽  
Taenia Crassiceps ◽  
Dipylidium Caninum

Taenia spp. are long, segmented, parasitic tapeworms and are relatively uncommon in canine gastrointestinal diseases compared to other tapeworms like Dipylidium caninum. These parasites have an indirect life cycle, cycling between definitive and intermediate hosts. Dogs act as definitive hosts of different species of Taenia including Taenia multiceps, Taenia serialis, Taenia crassiceps, Taenia hydatigena, Taenia pisiformis, etc. Taenia multiceps is of greatest zoonotic relevance in human. In the definitive host, it causes only mild infection. Larvae are more likely to cause disease than adult tapeworms. Taeniasis in pets should be cautiously handled because of its zoonotic importance. This communication reports a case of 3 months old pup suffering from Taenia infection that was successfully managed with a combination of praziquantel and fenbendazole.

scholarly journals Molecular detection of cattle Sarcocystis spp. in North-West Italy highlights their association with bovine eosinophilic myositis

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Selene Rubiola ◽  
Tiziana Civera ◽  
Felice Panebianco ◽  
Davide Vercellino ◽  
Francesco Chiesa
Keyword(s):  
18S Rdna ◽  
Inflammatory Myopathy ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Diaphragm Muscle ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Slaughter Cattle ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Pcr Targeting

Abstract Background Cattle are intermediate hosts of six Sarcocystis species, among which Sarcocystis hominis and Sarcocystis heydorni can infect humans through the consumption of raw or undercooked meat. In addition to the zoonotic potential, there is increasing interest in these protozoa because of the evidence supporting the role of Sarcocystis spp. in the occurrence of bovine eosinophilic myositis (BEM), a specific inflammatory myopathy which leads to carcass condemnation and considerable economic losses. Actually, all the prevalence studies carried out on cattle in Italy have been based on either morphological or 18S rDNA-based molecular techniques, most likely leading to misidentification of closely related species. Therefore, there is a strong need for new data on the prevalence of the different Sarcocystis spp. in cattle in Italy and their association with bovine eosinophilic myositis. Methods To reach our aim, individual striated muscle samples from BEM condemned carcasses (N = 54) and diaphragm muscle samples from randomly sampled carcasses (N = 59) were obtained from Northwest Italy slaughterhouses. Genomic DNA was extracted and analyzed by multiplex-PCR targeting 18S rDNA and cox1 genes. PCR products amplified using the genus-specific primer set in absence of the specific fragment for S. hirsuta, S. cruzi, S. hominis or S. bovifelis were sequenced to achieve species identification. Results Sarcocystis DNA was detected in 67.8% of the samples from slaughter cattle and in 90.7% of the samples from BEM condemned carcasses. S. cruzi was identified as the most prevalent species in slaughter cattle (61%), followed by S. bovifelis (10.2%), S. hominis (8.5%) and S. hirsuta (1.7%). Notably, among the different Sarcocystis spp. detected, the presence of S. bovifelis and S. hominis was significantly higher in samples isolated from BEM condemned carcasses (46.3% and 40.7% respectively), while there was no statistically significant difference between the presence of S. cruzi or S. hirsuta in BEM condemned carcasses (42.6% and 1.8%, respectively) and randomly sampled carcasses. Furthermore, DNA sequence analysis revealed the presence of a putative new species in two carcasses. Conclusions Our study contributes to updating the data on the prevalence of the different Sarcocystis spp. in cattle in Italy, highlighting the presence of three Sarcocystis spp., S. cruzi, S. hominis and S. bovifelis, in BEM lesions and allowing us to speculate on the possible role of S. hominis and S. bovifelis as the major sarcosporidian species involved in bovine eosinophilic myositis. Graphic Abstract

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