The first detection of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in environmental fruits and vegetables samples

• Published in: European journal of clinical microbiology & infectious diseases Vol. 31; no. 6; pp. 1101 - 1108
• Main Authors: Lass, A., Pietkiewicz, H., Szostakowska, B., Myjak, P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer-Verlag 01.06.2012; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Carrots; DNA, Protozoan - genetics; DNA, Protozoan - isolation & purification; double prime B1 gene; Flocculation; Fruit - parasitology; Fruits; Gardens & gardening; Genotype; Genotype & phenotype; Genotypes; Genotyping; Human protozoal diseases; Infection; Infectious diseases; Internal Medicine; Lettuce; Medical Microbiology; Medical sciences; Oocysts; Parasites; Parasitic diseases; Poland; Polymerase chain reaction; Protozoa; Protozoal diseases; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Strawberries; Toxoplasma - classification; Toxoplasma - genetics; Toxoplasma - isolation & purification; Toxoplasma gondii; Toxoplasmosis; Vegetables; Vegetables - parasitology; Poland; Polymerase Chain Reaction Inhibitor; SAG2 Gene; Toxoplasmosis; Vegetable Sample; Home Garden; Infection; Protozoa; Apicomplexa; Protozoal disease; Vegetables; Toxoplasma gondii; Fruit; Microbiology; DNA; Parasitosis
• ISSN: 0934-9723; 1435-4373
• DOI: 10.1007/s10096-011-1414-8

Toxoplasma gondii infections are prevalent in humans and animals all over the world. The aim of the study was to estimate the occurrence of T. gondii oocysts in fruits and vegetables and determine the genotype of the parasites. A total number of 216 fruits and vegetables samples were taken from shops and home gardens located in the area of northern Poland. Oocysts were recovered with the flocculation method. Then, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the B1 gene was used for specific T. gondii detection and quantification. Toxoplasma DNA was found in 21 samples. Genotyping at the SAG2 locus showed SAG2 type I and SAG2 type II. This is the first investigation describing T. gondii DNA identification in a large number of fruits and vegetables samples with rapid molecular detection methods. The results showed that fruits and vegetables contaminated with T. gondii may play a role in the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in Poland.