Investigation of buffalo meat contamination with Sarcocystis parasite in Urmia industrial slaughterhouse using the PCR method
Subject Areas : Food Science and Technology
Mahdieh Sadati ghale
1
,
S. Rasouli,
2
,
Mohammad Reza Asgharzadeh
3
1 - Undergraduate Student in Veterinary Medicine, Urmia Branch, Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran
2 - Associate Professor, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathobiology, Urmia Branch, Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran
3 - Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Science, Urmia Branch, Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran
Keywords: Sarcocystis, Molecular prevalence, 18s rRNA, Buffalo, Urmia,
Abstract :
Sarcocystis spp. are cyst-forming intracellular protozoan parasites characterized by an obligate two-host life cycle involving carnivores as definitive hosts and herbivorous animals as intermediate hosts. In Iran, a high prevalence of Sarcocystis infection has been reported among domestic animals, including cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, and camels. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of Sarcocystis infection in slaughtered buffaloes in Urmia city using PCR. A total of 100 buffalo heads, randomly selected from animals slaughtered in Urmia in the year 1402 (2023–2024), were examined. Tissue samples were collected from the esophagus, diaphragm, heart, tongue, jaw, and intercostal muscles. Both macroscopic examination and molecular analysis targeting the 18S rRNA gene were performed. Macroscopic inspection revealed visible Sarcocystis cysts in 5% of the samples. However, PCR analysis detected Sarcocystis DNA in 12% of tissue samples. Statistical analysis indicated a significantly higher prevalence of infection in older buffaloes compared to calves (p < 0.05), whereas no significant association was found between infection prevalence and sex (p > 0.05). These findings indicate a relatively high rate of Sarcocystis infection (12%) among buffaloes in Urmia. Given the potential for zoonotic transmission of Sarcocystis hominis via the consumption of infected buffalo meat—which may cause gastrointestinal illness in humans—preventive measures are recommended. These include thorough inspection of carcasses at slaughterhouses, removal of visibly infected tissues, and public education on the risks of consuming raw or undercooked meat.
