Molecular investigation of ready-to-eat salads for Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in Portugal

• DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2023.e00190
• Publication Date: 2023-02-23T03:22:53Z
• Authors: Clarissa Perez Faria; Adelaide Pereira; Daniela Almeida; Miguel Pinto; Ágata Lourenço; Maria do Céu Sousa
• Keywords: Giardia; Giardia lamblia

Foodborne outbreaks are often associated with the consumption of salads. However, published studies on detection foodborne pathogens in ready-to-eat salads scarce. The aim this study was to detect Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium DNA salads, by applying techniques molecular biology frequency contamination A total 100 packages containing assorted leafy green vegetables were randomly purchased from hypermarkets located central regions Portugal (Coimbra Viseu). Nested-PCR qPCR methods used G. DNA. Species assemblages parasites identified sequence analysis PCR. Eighteen samples (18%) positive for twelve sequenced as assemblage A. spp. not detected any Overall, pre-harvest post-harvest preventive measures may be need control throughout food production industry, field consumers.