Detection of Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis tenella in indigenous Cornigliese sheep in Italy using serological and molecular methods

The aim of the present study was to determine seroprevalence for Toxoplasma gondii by meat juice ELISA and evaluate the presence of T. gondii and Sarcocystis spp. within host tissues by histology, PCR and in vitro isolation, in the indigenous Cornigliese sheep breed in northern Italy. Seventeen out of 24 (70.8%) sheeps were positive for T. gondii by meat juice ELISA. Twenty sheep (83.3%) were positive by PCR for T. gondii, while 24/24 sheep (100%) were positive by PCR for Sarcocystis spp. Tissues cysts compatible with Sarcocystis spp. were visible in all animals on histology. PCR confirmed the presence of T. gondii after three weeks of in vitro culture on Vero cells in only one sample. Genotyping of T. gondii by RLFP with 5 markers showed a predominance of genotypes II/III. Sequence analysis of Sarcocystis spp. showed only the presence of Sarcocystis tenella.T. gondii and S. tenella are present in a high percentage of Cornigliese sheep in northern Italy. Future studies should concentrate upon the reproductive and economic effects of these parasitic infections, in light of the necessary conservation of this local, indigenous sheep breed.