RISK INDEX OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII CONTAMINATION IN MEAT SOLD TRADITIONALLY IN PEKANBARU CITY AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Indeks Risiko Kontaminasi Toxoplasma gondii pada Daging yang Dijual secara Tradisional di Kota Pekanbaru dan Sekitarnya

Abstrak

The hygiene and sanitation conditions of traditional markets selling meat are often less than optimal, so they tend to be at risk of transmitting zoonotic pathogens, including Toxoplasma gondii. The aim of this study was to measure the risk index of T. gondii contamination in chicken, beef and goat meat sold in traditional markets in Pekanbaru City. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, involving 278 chicken meat stalls, 104 beef stalls, and 105 goat meat stalls which were selected through purposive sampling. The survey evaluated five key components: facility sanitation, vendor hygiene, meat handling and storage, environmental conditions and pest presence, and equipment cleanliness. Each observation component was scored on a three-point scale: low (0), moderate (1), and high (2). Data were analyzed descriptively to determine percentage distributions, which were subsequently converted into qualitative risk indices. The results showed that the risk index of T. gondii contamination was 45.85% for chicken, 47.24% for beef, and 60.12% for goat meat. These values indicate a moderate level of contamination risk for all three meat types. The findings emphasize the importance of improving hygiene and sanitation standards in traditional markets to minimize the potential risk of T. gondii transmission to consumers.