Investigation of zoonotic pathogen in slaughterhouse environments using molecular and conventional methods

Abstract

Close interfaces between humans, animals and the environment especially in settings like slaughterhouses play a critical role in zoonotic disease transmission. This study aimed to detect selected parasitic zoonotic pathogens in slaughterhouse environments using conventional and molecular diagnostic techniques. The investigation included 346 environmental samples collected over a period of 7 months from slaughterhouses located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Samples collected from key points were assessed for contamination and potential zoonotic risk by conventional microscopic and PCR-based assays targeting specific genes. Microscopy revealed Ascarid (1.35%) eggs in water samples, along with other incidental parasites. Molecular detection identified T. gondii in 5.78% (20/346) of samples, Giardia spp. and T. canis each in 0.57% (2/346) and Echinococcus spp. in 0.28% (1/346) samples. The results indicate that slaughterhouse environments can act as important sources of zoonotic parasites, posing potential threats to food safety, worker health and the surrounding environment.