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Peer-reviewedCC BY-NC-ND 4.0BMC Research Notes

Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii in eggs consumed in eastern Iran

  • Ehsan Mahmoodi1
  • Ehsan Javanmard2
  • Amir Tavakoli Kareshk3
  • Abdol Satar Pagheh3
  • Mohammad Javad Yousefi1
  • Narges Ekrahi1
  • Mahmoodreza Behravan3
  1. 1Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
  2. 2Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
  3. 3Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
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Abstract

Objective: This study investigated the molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in free-range eggs (traditional eggs produced non-industrially in Birjand villages) and industrial production eggs (packaged eggs from industrial facilities) in Birjand. A total of 120 egg samples (60 local and 60 industrial) were collected from Birjand retail stores. The contents were pooled, centrifuged in sterile tubes, and the resulting pellets were stored at −20 °C for molecular analysis. DNA was extracted using a DNA extraction kit and analyzed via Nested-PCR targeting the B1 gene. Data were evaluated using SPSS 27.0, with a chi-square test assessing infection frequency against study variables.

Results: Of the 120 samples, 9 (7.5%; 95% CI 4.0–13.6) tested positive for T. gondii DNA, including 3 (5.0%; 95% CI 1.7–13.6) from free-range eggs and 6 (10.0%; 95% CI 4.7–20.1) from industrial production eggs, with no significant association with egg type (P > 0.05). These findings indicate the presence of T. gondii DNA in edible eggs, particularly from industrial settings, highlighting zoonotic risks and the need for enhanced food safety protocols. To mitigate transmission, we recommend thorough egg cooking and improved hygiene in poultry environments within a comprehensive One Health strategy.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{mahmoodi2026molecular,
  title = {{Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii in eggs consumed in eastern Iran}},
  author = {Ehsan Mahmoodi and Ehsan Javanmard and Amir Tavakoli Kareshk and Abdol Satar Pagheh and Mohammad Javad Yousefi and Narges Ekrahi and Mahmoodreza Behravan},
  journal = {BMC Research Notes},
  year = {2026},
  month = aug,
  doi = {10.1186/s13104-026-07958-5},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-026-07958-5},
  note = {CC BY-NC-ND 4.0},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii in eggs consumed in eastern Iran
AU  - Ehsan Mahmoodi
AU  - Ehsan Javanmard
AU  - Amir Tavakoli Kareshk
AU  - Abdol Satar Pagheh
AU  - Mohammad Javad Yousefi
AU  - Narges Ekrahi
AU  - Mahmoodreza Behravan
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/08/07
JO  - BMC Research Notes
DO  - 10.1186/s13104-026-07958-5
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-026-07958-5
AB  - Objective: This study investigated the molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in free-range eggs (traditional eggs produced non-industrially in Birjand villages) and industrial production eggs (packaged eggs from industrial facilities) in Birjand. A total of 120 egg samples (60 local and 60 industrial) were collected from Birjand retail stores. The contents were pooled, centrifuged in sterile tubes, and the resulting pellets were stored at −20 °C for molecular analysis. DNA was extracted using a DNA extraction kit and analyzed via Nested-PCR targeting the B1 gene. Data were evaluated using SPSS 27.0, with a chi-square test assessing infection frequency against study variables.  Results: Of the 120 samples, 9 (7.5%; 95% CI 4.0–13.6) tested positive for T. gondii DNA, including 3 (5.0%; 95% CI 1.7–13.6) from free-range eggs and 6 (10.0%; 95% CI 4.7–20.1) from industrial production eggs, with no significant association with egg type (P > 0.05). These findings indicate the presence of T. gondii DNA in edible eggs, particularly from industrial settings, highlighting zoonotic risks and the need for enhanced food safety protocols. To mitigate transmission, we recommend thorough egg cooking and improved hygiene in poultry environments within a comprehensive One Health strategy.
SN  - 1756-0500
ER  -