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An update on sarcocystosis in one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 June 2018

Muhammad A. Saeed ,
Jane L. Vaughan  and
Abdul Jabbar Open the ORCID record for Abdul Jabbar [Opens in a new window]
Muhammad A. Saeed
Affiliation:
Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia
Jane L. Vaughan
Affiliation:
Cria Genesis, PO Box 406, Ocean Grove, Victoria 3226, Australia
Abdul Jabbar*
Affiliation:
Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia
*
Author for correspondence: Abdul Jabbar, E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Sarcocystis spp. are intracellular coccidian parasites which infect domestic and wild animals and birds, resulting in considerable economic losses in production animals, and public health concerns worldwide. Sarcocystis spp. have an indirect life cycle where wild and/or domestic canine species primarily serve as definitive hosts and several domestic and wild animals (such as camels) act as intermediate hosts. In Northern Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and China, camel meat is preferred due to cultural and religious traditions as well as its lower cholesterol/fat content than other red meat. However, camel meat quality could be downgraded by the presence of sarcocysts. To date, two Sarcocystis spp. have been reported from camels, including Sarcocystis ippeni (forms microscopic sarcocysts) and Sarcocystis cameli (forms both macroscopic and microscopic sarcocysts). Sarcocystosis is usually asymptomatic, though significant pathogenic effects have also been reported in camels. Despite the high occurrence of sarcocystosis in camels, little is known about various aspects of the disease in these animals. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the existing knowledge on the taxonomy, pathogenesis, epidemiology and diagnosis of Sarcocystis spp. infecting camels and it also highlights areas for further research that could enhance our understanding about sarcocystosis in camels.

Keywords

Camelus dromedariusdromedary camelsSarcocystisSarcocystosis
Type
Review Article
Information
Parasitology , Volume 145 , Issue 11 , September 2018 , pp. 1367 - 1377
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Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2018 

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