Identification of Macroscopic Sarcocysts of Sarcocystis cameli from One-Humped Camel ( Camelus dromedarius ) in Iraq

There is considerable confusion concerning the identity of macroscopic Sarcocystis species in camels. Currently 2 species, Sarcocystis cameli and Sarcocystis ippeni, are recognized from 1-humped camel ( Camelus dromedarius ), and sarcocysts of both species are microscopic. Here, we report the identity of macroscopic sarcocysts from the C. dromedarius in Iraq as S. cameli. Five sarcocysts from the muscle of 2 adult camels collected in 1999 and stored in 10% formalin were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Sarcocysts were 1.5-5.0 mm long and 200-400 μm wide. By TEM, all 5 sarcocysts had thin sarcocyst walls. Ultrastructurally, the sarcocyst wall had "type 9j" villar protrusions similar to those of S. cameli. This is the first confirmation of macroscopic sarcocysts from 1-humped camel as S. cameli.