Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii and non-zoonotic Sarcocystis species in commercial beef products from Chile.

The consumption of raw or undercooked meat represents a potential route for the transmission of foodborne parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis spp. In Chile, data on the occurrence of these parasites in meat products intended for human consumption are limited, and species-level identification of Sarcocystis is scarce. This study analyzed 203 meat samples from central and southern Chile, including commercial hamburger samples, beef steaks, ground beef, and muscle samples from condemned carcasses. Samples were examined by artificial digestion and PCR targeting the Sarcocystis 18S rRNA gene and the 529-bp repetitive element of T. gondii, followed by sequencing for species identification. T. gondii DNA was detected exclusively in hamburger samples (7.69%), while Sarcocystis spp. DNA was detected in hamburger, steak, ground beef, and condemned carcass samples. Sequencing identified Sarcocystis cruzi as the predominant species in meat products intended for consumption and Sarcocystis hirsuta mainly in condemned carcasses. No zoonotic Sarcocystis species were detected. These findings highlight the presence of tissue cyst-forming parasites in beef products marketed in Chile and support the integration of molecular tools into food safety surveillance.