The first molecular characterization of Sarcocystis cameli in the Indian dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius)

AbstractIn the present study, tissue samples (tongue, esophagus and heart) were investigated from dromedary camels of India for identification and characterization ofSarcocystis spp. using histopathology, PCR and gene sequencing. Genomic DNA extracted from these tissue samples was used for PCR amplification of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (cox1) ofSarcocystis spp. and the partial sequence of small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene of theS. cameli. The PCR products were purified, sequenced and analyzed using bioinformatics tools. Based on phylogenetic analysis of thecox1 gene, the sequences of the present study clustered with those ofS. cameli, hosted by dromedary camels of Iraq and a close association was observed withS. masoni hosted by dogs and alpacas of China. Until now, there are no 18S rRNA sequences ofS. cameli available in GenBank and this is the first study recording 18S rRNA sequences ofS. cameli which were grouped withS. masoni from alpaca of China and guanaco and llama of Argentina in phylogenetic analysis. These findings could be useful for further studies on the characterization through molecular epidemiology, genetic diversity and host specificity ofS. cameli.
Source: Veterinary Research Communications - Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research