Molecular Survey of Meat‐Borne Zoonotic Protozoa in Food Animals and Poultry in Bangladesh
Abdullah Al Bayazid, Sourov Sutradhar, Maksuda Akter Mily, Md. Shahariar Hosen, Md. Rakibul Hasan Shanto, Md. Ashiqur Rahman, Jannatul Bakia Tamanna, Anas Bin Harun, S. H. M. Faruk Siddiki, Md. Morshedur Rahman, Md Robiul KarimABSTRACT
Background
Meat‐borne protozoan parasites, including Toxoplasma gondii , Sarcocystis spp. and Neospora caninum , present significant veterinary and public health concerns due to their potential transmission through meat.
Objectives
This study provides the first molecular survey of these parasites in meat‐producing animals and poultry in Bangladesh.
Methods
We analysed 236 meat samples from 74 cattle, 114 goats and 48 backyard chickens using PCR assays targeting the REP‐529 gene for T. gondii , 18S rRNA for Sarcocystis spp. and NC‐5 for N. caninum . Positive samples were sequenced and compared with global isolates.
Results
T. gondii was detected in 7.0% of goats and 2.08% of chickens but not in cattle. Sarcocystis spp. affected 45.9% of cattle, 62.3% of goats and 4.17% of chickens. N. caninum was detected in 25.7% of cattle, 28.9% of goats and 16.67% of chickens. In cattle, Sarcocystis spp. and N. caninum infections were significantly associated with the rearing system and health status, respectively. In goats, Sarcocystis infection was associated with age. DNA sequence analysis identified three Sarcocystis species: S. cruzi in cattle and S. capracanis and S. tenella in goats. Notably, a S. capracanis ‐like sequence was also unexpectedly detected in chickens.
Conclusions
The detection of zoonotic T. gondii and high prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. and N. caninum indicate foodborne risk and environmental contamination. These findings urge the need for improved farm biosecurity, safe meat handling and One Health‐based surveillance in Bangladesh.