Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 21 1 2026 05 19 29 35 Ahmad Nematollahi Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Masumeh Amandi Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Mohadeseh Emdadi Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran 2024 11 09 2026 06 07 Background: Sarcocystis spp. is zoonotic parasitic pathogen endangering the safety of meat and derived meat products. This study was carried on for determination of presence of Sarcocystis species in mincemeat in Tabriz (Iran) using single-stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) method. Methods: Thirty samples of mixed ground meat were collected from butchers and DNA was extracted. The 18S rRNA gene fragment of S. cruzi and S. hominis species in the extracted DNA amplified by PCR using one pair specific primers, which resulted in 937 bp length fragments in parasite-positive samples. The results showed that 11 samples out of 30 (36%) were positive for S. cruzi and S. hominis species. The SSCP technique products of gene indicated 4 SSCP patterns (A, B, C and D) among study samples on 18S rRNA gene of S. cruzi and S. hominis. Results: Contamination with Sarcocystis species in minced meat sold in Tabriz City in Iran is relatively high, which is of particular importance from a health point of view. This study was currently by SSCP technique on minced meat for the first time, based on the primers in the 18S rRNA gene locus, there are polymorphisms in S. cruzi and S. hominis species. Conclusion: Due to the relatively high level of Sarcocystis contamination in minced meats in Tabriz, the necessary hygienic measures should be must implemented. Also, there was polymorphism in S. cruzi and S. homonis. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4427 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4427/1476