[The occurrence of animal sarcocystiosis in Algeria].

The study investigates the prevalence of Sarcocystiosis, a parasitic infection, in various domestic animals in Algeria using several detection methods including Immunofluorescence, macroscopic and microscopic examinations. The research found high incidences of the infection particularly among cattle, sheep, and an unexpected occurrence in humans.

Research Methodology

• The study conducted investigations on the occurrence of Sarcocystiosis, a disease caused by a protozoan parasite that affects various mammals, in domestic animals in Algeria.
• The researchers implemented different methods to detect the presence of the parasite. This included the Immunofluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT), macroscopic (visible to the naked eye) examinations, microscopic examinations of muscle tissues, and coproscopia (examination of feces).

Findings and Interpretations

• The tests revealed high levels of the disease in intermediate hosts (organisms in which a parasite develops but does not achieve sexual maturity). Out of the animals tested, 362 out of 537 cattle, 188 out of 292 sheep, and 13 of 57 horses were found to have the disease.
• More specifically, different types of the Sarcocystis parasite were identified in different animals. For instance, the muscle probes from cattle contained S. cruzi and S. hirsuta, and those from sheep had S. tenella and S. arieticanis. In horses, S. bertrami was identified.
• Immunofluorescence, which helps measure the immune response in the host, showed significant levels of the disease in the animals – 64.5% in cattle and 60.5% in sheep.

Novel Findings

• For the first time in Algeria, the Sarcocystis hominis parasite was found in a considerable percentage of the samples (2.3% to 3.9%), indicating human infection. This variation of the parasite is typically found in humans and is transmitted either through consumption of undercooked meat infected with the parasite or via contact with infected feces.
• The high occurrence of the disease in domestic animals and the newfound presence in humans signifies the need for increased surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment efforts to curb the spread and impact of this parasitic infection.