Equine Sarcocystosis in the Northern Region of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

BACKGROUND

A total of 396 samples were taken from the hearts, oesophagi, and diaphragms of 132 horses slaughtered at slaughterhouses in 2023 for subsequent examination.

METHODS

The histological method revealed pathomorphological changes in the muscle tissue. The molecular method identified the pathogen species.

RESULTS

Histological examination revealed thick-walled cysts with internal septa and numerous bradyzoites, and mononuclear inflammatory cells with pericyst infiltrates. Microcyst samples were amplified by polymerase chain reaction. Molecular genetic analysis allowed for the identification of 18 sarcocysts. Phylogenetic analysis of isolates revealed three separate clades of and two separate clades of . Comparison and phylogenetic analysis revealed a very close relationship between the identified species and other equine DNA sequences from China and Japan. Based on the results obtained, the epizootic situation and the parasitic level of sarcocystosis contamination of horses in the northern Kazakhstan were determined.

CONCLUSION

This is the first histological and molecular study to identify spp. isolated from microscopic forms of equine sarcocysts in the northern Kazakhstan. This research will contribute to the fight against the spread of sarcocystosis in the Republic of Kazakhstan and will allow us to develop proposals for improving the mechanisms of sarcocystosis control.