Molecular surveillance of Toxoplasma gondii in raw milk and Artisan cheese of sheep, goat, cow and water buffalo origin

Abstract

This study is aimed at investigating the molecular prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in raw milk and cheese of different animal species (sheep, goat, cow and water buffalo) in Kayseri Province, Türkiye, to provide a preliminary assessment for contamination risk. A total of 200 milk and cheese samples were analysed by real-time PCR. Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected in two (8%) ewes and one (4%) goat raw milk sample, while none of the cheese samples were positive. These results indicated that the presence of T. gondii DNA in raw milk samples sold in Kayseri Province might be a risk factor for public health.