MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION OF SARCOCYSTIS CRUZI ISOLATED FROM IRANIAN BUFFALOES IN GUILAN PROVINCE.

Sarcocystis species are prevalent in Iran and have economic and public health consequences on animals and humans. The present study aimed at molecular identification of Sarcocystis spp. isolated from Iranian buffaloes in Guilan province based on 18s ribosomal RNA (18s rRNA) and cytochrome oxidase subunit I (Cox1) sequences. For this purpose, a total of 100 buffalo carcasses were sampled from four tissues (oesophagus, diaphragm, shoulder, thigh), and assessed microscopically for sarcocysts. Samples were suspected of being infected with Sarcocystis spp. according to morphological evaluation. Amplification of 18s rRNA and Cox1 sequences were performed from DNA extracted from any detected Sarcocystis. The phylogenetic tree was plotted by Neighbor-Jinning (NJ) phylograms. Phylogenetic analysis of 18s rRNA and Cox1 genes showed no differences between Sarcocystis isolates of the same species and a low level of genetic variability was found among isolates and other Sarcocystis cruzi sequences. S. cruzi was identified as the species of Iranian buffalo in the Guilan province of Iran. This is the first study of the Cox1 gene and 18s rRNA sequences to confirm the presence of S. cruzi in Iranian buffaloes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]