Anti-Cysticercus Antibodies in Pigs and Pig Breeders in María La Baja, Colombia

Mavianis Pinilla,Jaime Lorduy,Aydali Melendez,Sandy Rocha,Lucy M Villafañe,Cindy Rocha,Julio C Giraldo

doi:10.5539/gjhs.v10n7p1

Abstract

Cysticercosis is a parasitic infection caused by the larvae of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. It is acquired through fecal-oral contamination, and it can affect humans and pigs. In Colombia, this is an endemic infection especially in locations where breeding and commercialization of pigs are performed under poorly hygienic conditions, such as in Maria La Baja, Department of Bolívar. However, seroprevalence of anti-cysticercus antibodies in pigs or pig breeders at these locations has not been determined. Thus, using indirect immunoassays we quantified anti-cysticercus antibodies in serum samples of pigs (n=254) and pig breeders (n=121) in Maria La Baja. Furthermore, a questionnaire was applied in order to determine environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic variables. Anti-cysticercus antibodies were detected in 36.6% (93/254) of pigs and 44.6% (54/121) of pig breeders. A significant causal association was identified for daily cleaning of pigsties and having anti-cysticercus antibodies with an aOR = 15.16 (CI 95%: 2.13 - 107.86; p = 0.0002). No significant associations were identified between the evaluated variables and seroprevalence of anti-cysticercus antibodies in pigs. Our study indicates that there is a high seroprevalence of anti-cysticercus antibodies in humans and pigs in locations where handling of pigs is performed under poor hygienic conditions. Our results suggest that there is a need to design and implement prevention and control strategies in Maria La Baja in order to reduce transmission of this disease.

Highlights

Human and porcine cysticercosis is acquired by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with human feces containing Taenia solium cysts
Our study indicates that there is a high seroprevalence of anti-cysticercus antibodies in humans and pigs in locations where handling of pigs is performed under poor hygienic conditions
Cysticercosis is frequent in rural areas since it is associated with breeding of pigs under poor sanitary and environmental conditions, and low educational and socioeconomic level (Villalobos et al, 2007; Toquero, Morocoima & Ferrer, 2017; Maya et al, 2003)

Summary

Introduction

Human and porcine cysticercosis is acquired by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with human feces containing Taenia solium cysts. In humans, these cysts develop into larvae that invade subcutaneous, skeletal muscle, and cardiac tissues. These cysts develop into larvae that invade subcutaneous, skeletal muscle, and cardiac tissues It can affect the central nervous system (CNS), and may lead to seizures, hydrocephaly, focal neurological deficits, and psychiatric disorders that involve physical and/or mental disability with high risk of death. Cysticercosis is endemic in most underdeveloped countries (Rojas et al, 2007). The World Health Organization has estimated that over 80% of the 50 million people in the world suffering from epilepsy are in low-income countries. Cysticercosis is considered one of the 14 neglected tropical diseases mainly in rural areas where porcine breeding and commercialization frequently take place under poor hygienic conditions (Flórez et al, 2013; Vásquez, Giraldo, Agúdelo, Campo, & Vergara, 2011; Serrano, Prada, Nicholls, Duque, & López, 1993)

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