الفهرس 
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Abstract
Sarcocystis species are widespread in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) throughout the world. Some species are pathogenic and had medical importance.
In the present work, 110 water buffaloes were examined for Sarcocystis infection at Zagazig slaughter house. Infection rates were 32.73 %, 3.64 % and 23.64 % in cases of microscopic cysts, macroscopic cysts and mixed infection {microscopic and macroscopic cysts} respectively. Four species of Sarcocystis were detected: S. buffalonis, S. fusiformis, S. levinei and S. dubeyi. Percentages of infection were recorded in adult males and adult females, respectively as the following: Sarcocystis buffalonis (28.05% and 16.67%), Sarcocystis levinei (67.07% and 66.67%), Sarcocystis dubeyi (15.85% and 16.67%), Sarcocystis fusiformis (6.09% and 33.33%), while in young age only Sarcocystis levinei was recorded (4.55%).
Regarding the effect of gender on susceptibility of water buffaloes to Sarcocystis infection, the higher infection rates were recorded in old females (83.33%), then in adult males (73.17%) and lastly in young males (4.55%).
Using whole cystic antigen from Sarcocystis fusiformis, ELISA assay was successful in detecting specific IgG antibody against Sarcocystis species in sera of 96 (87.27%) from 110 naturally infected water buffaloes at Zagazig slaughter house and the results showed that the sensitivity and specificity of the antigen were 100% and 31.82%, respectively.