Morphological identification and phylogenetic analysis of Moniezia species isolated from sheep in Wasit province/ Iraq

Abstract

The current study was conducted during the period from December 2020 to August 2021 for detect the infection of Moniezia parasite in sheep using the traditional and molecular diagnostic methods as well as for confirmation of Moniezia species in sheep by the phylogenetic analysis. The samples fresh adult worms Moniezia were  collected from intestines of sheep the locations of samples were obtained from abattoirs in Wasit province and also regarding months, sexes and ages affecting on infection prevalence rate. Results of microscopically, the samples fresh adult worms Moniezia spp. were  collected from intestines of 125 sheep and stained with semichon's acid carmine and examined by light microscope, the results were revealed on 29 (23.2%)  positive. Concerning to Moniezia spp. have been identified and classified out of 29 from sheep showed that M. expansa and M. benedeni 26 (89.65%) and 3(10.34%) respectively, with a significant difference (P≤0.01). Regarding to risk factors (sex, age and months), significant (P≤0.01) increase in sheep Monieziasis was reported in  age groups <1year (37.5%) more than 1-2 year (14.28%) and > 2year (7.40%). No significant difference was observed in infection rates between  male and female.