Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Science - Department of Zoology

The present study aimed for the determination of the natural prevalence of infection with Sarcocystis species infecting the water buffalo Bubalus bubalis in Egypt in addition to the description of the reported sarcocysts by light and transmission electron microscopy. These parasites were observed superficially or embedded deeply in the host muscles as macroscopic cysts. The organ distribution of these sarcocysts was represented by oesophagus which showed the highly infected organ followed by diaphragm, tongue and muscles while the heart muscles was the lowest infected organ. Histological sections through the recorded sarcocysts examined by light microscopy revealed that the sarcocyst interior was divided by septa into many compartments (chamber-like), septa were arised from the ground substance under the primary cyst wall. Transmission electron microscopic examination of ultrathin sections through the macroscopic sarcocysts showed that the marginal part of these cysts was covered by a clearly seen primary cyst wall surrounded by a secondary cyst wall of host origin. The primary cyst wall was irregularly folded formed numerous cauliflower projections or protrusions. The whole primary wall had small drop like invaginations. Within the projections many fibrillar elements were observed. Metrocytes were usually situated peripherally in the cyst just underneath the ground substance.They were oval to globular in shape with a relatively large nucleus. Very often the metrocytes underwent endodyogony

Issued also as CD