Histomorphological and molecular survey of Sarcocystis spp. infecting sheep, cattle, and dogs in Jordan

Sarcocystosis in farm ruminants poses significant threats to animal health and causes economic losses. This study is the first to investigate the molecular diversity of Sarcocystis species in sheep, cattle, and dogs in Jordan. Samples from the diaphragm and esophagus of sheep and cattle in northern Jordan were examined by histomorphologicalhistopathology and PCR, while dog fecal samples from central and northern Jordan were screened by PCR. PCR targeted the Cox1 and 18S rRNA genes for species identification. Histomorphology showed infection rates of 79.59% in sheep and 42.86% in cattle. PCR sequencing revealed higher infection rates: 97.41% in sheep and 91.84% in cattle. Among 266 dog samples, 48.12% tested positive. Cox1 gene sequencing identified multiple Sarcocystis species: S. tenella, S. capracanis, and S. arieticanis in sheep; S. cruzi, S. hirsuta, S. hominis, and S. capracanis in cattle; and S. tenella, S. cruzi, and S. arieticanis in dogs. The 18S rRNA gene sequencing was less effective at discriminating species. Infection rates were higher in stray (54.25%) and pet dogs (54.55%) compared to breeding dogs (28.86%). The study reveals widespread and diverse Sarcocystis infections in Jordan’s ruminants and dogs, with grazing sheep exhibiting particularly high infection rates. PCR sequencing of the Cox1 gene is the preferred molecular method for identifying Sarcocystis species. Controlling sarcocystosis in Jordan is complicated by the prevalence of stray dogs, underscoring the need for effective preventive strategies.