Phylogenetic characterization and analysis of Sarcocystis buffalonis

Despite its frequent presence in buffaloes, Sarcocystis buffalonis remains as one of the most under studied parasite. In the present study, isolates of S. buffalonis from,Mathura, Uttar Pradesh India were characterized for 18S rRNA (MF595842-MF595844), cox 1 (MG792800-MG792802), 28S rRNA (MH793418-MH793420) and ITS 1 (MH793421-MH793423) genes. Analysis revealed multiple haplotypes for each individual gene viz., 18S rRNA (three haplotypes), cox 1 (two haplotypes), 28S rRNA (two haplotypes) and ITS 1 (single haplotype). The studied Indian sequences showed variable homologies for individual gene loci viz., 18S rRNA (99.3-99.9%); cox 1 (99.8-100.0%); 28S rRNA (99.9-100.0%) and ITS 1 (100.0%) The phylogenetic association between S. buffalonis and closely related Sarcocystis spp. infecting buffaloes and cattle was delineated. All these gene loci placed S. buffalonis close to S. hirsuta. The study has generated A vital phylogenetic data about this erstwhile neglected parasite.

Automated summary

In this study, isolates of S. buffalonis from buffaloes in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India were characterized for various genes. Multiple haplotypes were found for each gene, and the phylogenetic association between S. buffalonis and related Sarcocystis spp. was determined. This study provides important phylogenetic data about this under-studied parasite.