Investigating the Infection Rate of Sarcocystis in Hamburgers Sold in Shiraz City, Iran

Sarcocystis is one of the most common diseases between humans and animals in most parts of the world. This parasitic disease is caused by Sarcocystis protozoa. Sarcocystis cysts are mainly found in the striated muscles of cattle, sheep, and goats and vary in size from a few microns to a few millimeters. In this study, we tried to determine the infection rate of Burgers offered in Shiraz city with Sarcocystis parasite to investigate this popular meat product in terms of Sarcocystis contamination.

To perform the laboratory steps of the project, 100 samples of hamburgers (70 samples of industrial hamburgers and 30 samples of handmade hamburgers) were collected from stores and shopping centers of Shiraz and transferred to the laboratory to be studied and examined by observing the necessary hygienic points. Macroscopic observation, impression smear (DOB smear) method, and digestion method were various methods of examining the samples.

In the macroscopic, DOB smear, and digestive methods contamination of the samples was zero, 28, and 21, respectively. Also, it was found that out of 70 samples of industrial hamburgers, 29 samples (41.42%) were infected with Sarcocystis. Of these, 18 samples (62%) were collected in autumn and 11 samples (37.93%) were collected in summer. Out of 20 samples of traditional shop hamburgers, 13 samples (65%) were infected with Sarcocystis. Of these, 8 samples (61.5%) were collected in autumn and 5 samples (38.46%) were collected in summer. Out of 10 samples of traditional hamburgers presented in hand-sold units, 7 samples (70%) were infected with Sarcocystis. Of these, 4 samples (57.14%) were collected in autumn and 3 samples (42.85%) were collected in summer. Data analysis using the chi-square test showed that there is no significant relationship between industrial and traditional burgers with a contamination rate with a 95% confidence interval. Also, there was no significant relationship between autumn and summer samples with the amount of contamination.

The results of this study show that the prevalence of Sarcocystis parasite contamination of industrial and traditional hamburger samples in Shiraz city is high. Therefore, it is suggested that preventive measures and detailed inspections be carried out at the place of production and sale of hamburgers.