Prevalence and Comparative Morphology of Sarcocystis Species Recovered from Cattle in Punjab

In the present study the prevalence of Sarcocystis species are recorded for the first time in Punjab. A total of 211 samples were examined between July 2000 to June 2001 to know the prevalence of Sarcocystis sp. One hundred sixteen (54.32%) samples were found positive by rapid isolation of intact micro-Sarcocystis cysts from mi iscular tissues. Prevalence of Sarcocystis cruzi, Sarcocystis hirsuta and Sarcocystis hominis were found to be 41.70 per cent, 9.47 per cent and 3.79 per cent, respectively. Only micro-Sarcocystis were encountered. Size of Sarcocystis cruzi was found between 145–600 x 26–180 µm. Cysts were lobulated, elongated with tapering ends and wall was thin and smooth. Size of Sarcocystis hirsuta was found between 620–890 x 35–97 µm. Cysts were elongated with tapering ends, lobulations were absent, wall was thick, and transversly striated with hair like projections. Size of Sarcocystis hominis was found between 540–890 x 40–120 µm. Cysts were thin, elongated with round tapering ends, lobulations were absent, wall was thick, and transversly striated without hair like projections.