Identification of Sarcocystis spp. in Hamburgers Distributed in Fouman City, North of Iran Using Dab Smear and Digestion Methods

Abstract

Introduction: Human infection with Sarcocystis species can be attributed to the consumption of raw or inadequately cooked meat, such as hamburgers, containing encapsulated parasites. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between April and September 2022 in Fouman, Iran. A total of 182 hamburger samples, comprising two types of traditional hamburgers and industrial hamburgers, were collected. Result: Out of 182 hamburger samples of different types, 34% of them were found to be infected with Sarcocystis spp. The infection rate within industrial and traditional hamburgers was 21.5% and 56%, respectively. Notably, a statistically significant difference was observed between Sarcocystis-infested traditional and industrial hamburgers (p 0.05). Conclusion: Considering the high abundance of Sarcocysts micro cysts in frozen raw hamburgers, it is recommended to fully cook this food product and avoid consumption when only partially cooked.

Keywords

• sarcocystis
• digestion
• hamburger
• fouman city
• iran.