Abstract

This study included the detection of infection with Sarcocystis sp. in living hosts the (sheep, goats, cattle and human) in Ninevah governorate. One hundred blood samples were taken from each host type and covered various random ages for both sexes. The age range of the population of sheep, goats and cattle ranged between 6 months and 4 years while the age range for human subjects were 16-60 years. The results revealed that the rate of Sarcocystis sp. infection in these hosts 82% in sheep, 60% in goats and 45% in cattle, and 26% in human. Four different serological tests were used during this study included: Modified Enzyme linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Indirect Immunofluorescent Test (IFAT), Indirect Haemagglutination Test (IHAT), and Agar Gel Immunodiffusion Test. The sensitivity of each test in detecting specific antibodies for Sarcocystis was compared with other tests and the results were 100%, 86.85%, 82.1% and 43.2% for sheep, goats, cattle and human respectively. Variable antibody titers were found by using the IFAT and IHAT tests and they were from 1:10 to 1:640