Identification of sarcocystis spp. in slaughtered sheep from Spain and evaluation of bradyzoite viability after freezing

Peris, María Paz (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Gracia, María Jesús ; Moreno, Bernardino (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Juan-Puente, Paula ; Morales, Mariano (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Serrano, María ; Manzano, María Dolores ; Halaihel, Nabil (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Badiola, Juan (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Castillo, Juan Antonio (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: 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 staining techniques. Our measurements confirmed the presence of S. tenella, S. gigantea, and S. medusiformis in Spanish domestic sheep. Freezing for 96 to 144 h resulted in a significant reduction in parasite viability, with a robust correlation observed between the two staining methods. Both stains effectively measured the viability of Sarcocystis, thereby promising future advances in meat safety.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11030103

Año: 2024

Publicado en: Veterinary Sciences 11, 3 (2024), 103
ISSN: 2306-7381

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/DGA/A05-17R
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MICINN/RTC-2017-6594-2

Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)

Área (Departamento): Área Sanidad Animal (Dpto. Patología Animal)