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

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.

Occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in camels in the Tianshan Mountains pastoral area in China

“…Parasitic disease is a disease that seriously endangers the development of the camel industry ( 18 , 20 , 22 , 24 ) and that not only impedes the growth and development of camels ( 14 , 17 , 19 ), but is also one of the important reasons for the peak in camel deaths in the spring, resulting in great economic losses ( 15 , 16 , 21 ). What is more, many zoonotic parasites ( 1 , 9 , 10 , 12 , 13 , 28 ) could contaminate camel milk ( 18 ) and meat, posing potential threats to food safety and the health of the majority of herders ( 9 , 21 , 22 ).…”

Gastrointestinal parasites of dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) in Algeria

“…Historically, camels are important animals for their meat and milk production as well as transportation, especially across deserts in many African and Asian countries. However, they are prone to infection by many parasitic diseases [1][2][3][4][5] resulting in considerable economic losses related to decrease in productivity and performance as well as mortality in severe cases [5,6].…”

Detection of Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses in Buffaloes Naturally Infected with Sarcocystosis with Risk Factor Assessment

“…However, it may lead to signifi cant economic losses in the form of abortion, reduced milk yield, neurologic signs, and loss of weight. Moreover, down-regulation of the meat quality, decreased wool and fi ber production adding to its zoonotic importance [2,3]. Sarcocystosis has a worldwide distribution with a high prevalence rate both in rural and developed areas [4].…”