Epidemiologic observations on porcine cysticercosis in a rural community of Michoacan State, Mexico

Abstract

The prevalence of and risk factors for Taenia solium infection (cysticercosis) in pigs were studied in a rural community in Michoacan State, Mexico. Visual inspection of the tongues of 216 pigs revealed cysticerci in 14 (6.5%). The prevalence was slightly higher in male (10/105) than female pigs (4/110) ( P=0.06) and increased with age ( P<0.05). The most important risk factors for infection in pigs were access to human feces at a public washing area ( P=0.004), the presence of an indoor latrine ( P=0.05) and indiscriminate disposal of human feces around the pig owner's household ( P<0.1). Effective and long-lasting control of the transmission of T. solium from humans to pigs must include measures to deny pigs access to human feces, a change which is likely to be resisted because of the traditional and functional aspects of established pig-rearing practices.