An epidemiological survey of porcine cysticercosis in Nyasa District, Ruvuma Region, Tanzania

Seria M Shonyela,Ernatus M Mkupasi,Sikasunge C Sikalizyo,Evance M Kabemba,Helena A Ngowi,Isaac Phiri

doi:10.1016/j.parepi.2017.09.002

Seria M Shonyela, Ernatus M Mkupasi + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.parepi.2017.09.002

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Abstract

Porcine cysticercosis (PC) caused by Taenia solium larvae is continuing being important zoonotic disease in many developing countries. It poses a serious public health risk and leads to economic losses to pig production industry. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with PC transmission in Nyasa District. To establish the prevalence of PC, a cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 698 pigs by tongue examination, 330 pigs by Ag-ELISA test and 22 pigs by meat inspection. A questionnaire survey was administered to a member of selected households to gather information on pig management and other potential factors that could explain the prevalence of PC in the area. Results showed that 44 pigs were positive by tongue examination (6.3%, 95% C.I. 4.5–8.1%), 110 tested positive for Ag-ELISA (33.3%, 95% C.I. 28.22–38.38%) and meat inspection detected four infected pigs (18.2%, 95% C.I. 2.08–34.32%). Risk factors associated with PC transmission in Nyasa District were free ranging of pigs (p=0001), sex of pig (p=0.011), source of pork (p=0.0001) and outdoor defecation (0.0001). The present findings indicate that PC is endemic in Nyasa District and that free-ranging of pigs in conjunction with limited use of latrines contributes significantly to PC transmission. Therefore, mandatory pig confinement, together with use of latrine/toilets should be considered in controlling PC in Nyasa District.

Highlights

Pig production is an important economic activity to many poor families in developing countries (Phiri et al, 2003; Karimuribo et al, 2011)
This study investigated the prevalence of porcine cysticercosis and risk factors for T. solium cysticercosis transmission in Nyasa District
This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors associated with Porcine cysticercosis (PC) transmission in Nyasa District

Summary

Introduction

Pig production is an important economic activity to many poor families in developing countries (Phiri et al, 2003; Karimuribo et al, 2011). T. solium cysticercosis is being reported in these countries resulting into both agricultural and public health impacts (Eom et al, 2009; Phiri et al, 2003; Zoli et al, 2003; Ngowi et al, 2013). The parasite causes taeniosis in human, who is the definitive host and cysticercosis in pigs which are principal intermediate hosts. Human being acquires taeniosis following ingestion of raw or undercooked pork infected with viable T. solium cysticerci (Murrell, 2005). Human being can develop cysticercosis following accidental ingestion of T. solium eggs. Lodging of cysticerci of T. solium in the brain results in neurocysticercosis (NCC), one of the most important neurological parasitoses in human and the main preventable cause of acquired epilepsy in endemic areas (Carabin et al, 2011). Neurocysticercosis is recognised as an important public health problem in both developing and developed countries (White, 2000)

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