DETECTION OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII IN FRESH PRODUCE by DANAYA AMINA BETHEA

by DANAYA AMINA BETHEA (Under the Direction of Ynes R. Ortega) ABSTRACT Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular obligate protozoan parasite that causes toxoplasmosis in humans. This study aimed to detect and genotype T. gondii in fresh produce. Six PCR assays using various Toxoplasma gene targets were examined for their suitability in vegetable matrices. The SAG2 PCR was selected for this study. Collectively, DNA was extracted from 818 vegetable samples acquired from 16 markets in Atlanta, GA, U.S. and 5 in Lima, Peru. Nested polymerase chain reaction was conducted using characterized primers for T. gondii SAG2 locus. PCR products were purified and sequenced. Detection via PCR showed that 2.5% and 0.79% of U.S and Peru samples tested positive, respectively. The detection of T. gondii in fresh produce indicates that it may play a role in the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in the U.S and Peru. It also emphasizes the need to develop methodologies to prevent dissemination and inactivation of viable oocysts in the environment.