Abstract
Commonly present in the muscle of animals are the tissue cysts of Toxoplasma and Sarcocystis. The aim of this study was to determine the presence and levels of Toxoplasma/Sarcocystis tissue cysts in retail pork, beef, and mutton throughout the Michiana area. A total of 36 samples, 12 from each species, were exposed to a digestive solution mimicking stomach conditions. The solution consisted of Pepsin 0.75% , NaCl 0.86%, and HCl adjusted to a pH of 1-2. The digested samples were then strained through several layers of cheesecloth, centrifuged, and examined for the presence of parasites.
Thesis Record URL
Location
Buller Hallway
Start Date
3-7-2014 2:30 PM
End Date
3-7-2014 4:00 PM
P-28 The Prevalence of Encysted Toxoplasma & Sarcocystis in Consumer-Grade Pork, Beef, and Mutton in Michiana
Buller Hallway
Commonly present in the muscle of animals are the tissue cysts of Toxoplasma and Sarcocystis. The aim of this study was to determine the presence and levels of Toxoplasma/Sarcocystis tissue cysts in retail pork, beef, and mutton throughout the Michiana area. A total of 36 samples, 12 from each species, were exposed to a digestive solution mimicking stomach conditions. The solution consisted of Pepsin 0.75% , NaCl 0.86%, and HCl adjusted to a pH of 1-2. The digested samples were then strained through several layers of cheesecloth, centrifuged, and examined for the presence of parasites.
Acknowledgments
J.N. Andrews Honors Scholar
Advisor: Bill Chobotar, Biology