Investigation Of Toxoplasma Gondii in Raw Meat from Surabaya City, Indonesia Based on Molecular Detection: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite capable of infecting nearly all warm-blooded animals, including humans. T. gondii is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is dangerous in cases of immunocompromised individuals or pregnant women. Transmission generally occurs by consumption of raw or undercooked meat containing infected cysts or oocysts. The BAG1 gene is specific to the bradyzoite stage and was used as a molecular marker in this study. This study aims to determine the presence of T. gondii in raw chicken, goat, and pork meat samples from Surabaya, Indonesia, using PCR with BAG1 gene primers. Materials and Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional design, with raw meat samples collected from modern supermarkets in various areas of Surabaya using simple random sampling. Raw meat samples underwent DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with BAG1 gene primers, and electrophoresis. The length of the PCR product obtained was 470 bp. The results were analyzed descriptively, with positive and negative samples categorized based on meat sampling location and type. Results: T. gondii DNA was found in chicken and goat meat samples. The highest positivity rates were observed in chicken meat, ranging from 20% to 90%. No T. gondii DNA was detected in any pork samples (0%). Conclusion: Raw meat from supermarkets in modern times could, therefore, serve as a source of T. gondii infection. More excellent monitoring of meat products and complete cooking are necessary to minimize transmission risks of toxoplasmosis.