Abstract
Introductionporcine cysticercosis is under-reported particularly in Nigeria, despite the reportedly high prevalence of epilepsy and associated life-threatening health implications. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of porcine cysticercosis and factors related to Taenia solium transmission to humans.Methodsslaughtered pigs at a major abattoir, south-western Nigeria were randomly inspected and questionnaire was administered to pig workers/consumers while the data were analysed using Stata 12.0.Resultsa 4.4% (11/250) prevalence of porcine cysticercosis was obtained; the age, breed, sex and body conditions of pigs were not significant for infection (p < 0.05). Further, none (0.0%) of the respondents knew that T. solium could cause epilepsy in man and 39.5% often defaecated on neighbouring open fields and farmlands. Respondents purchasing pork from home slaughter were about four and ten times less likely to demonstrate good knowledge (OR = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.08-0.74) and practice (OR = 0.10; 95% CI: 0.05-0.22) than those purchasing from abattoir. Moreover, those lacking toilet facility were about four and five times less likely to demonstrate good knowledge (OR = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.07-0.86) and practice (OR = 0.19; 95% CI: 0.08-0.45) than those who had it. Other factors associated with practices related to T. solium transmission included age (p = 0.000), sex (p = 0.000) and duration (p = 0.003).Conclusionthe increased odds of poor knowledge and practices related to Taenia solium transmission especially among respondents purchasing home slaughter pork and lacking toilet facility provides insights into the parasite epidemiology. Above findings are important in lowering the infection prevalence in pigs and humans in this endemic area.
Highlights
Porcine cysticercosis, caused by Taenia solium is a global emerging socio-economic and public health problem [1]
The results show that 89.5% had never heard of porcine cysticercosis and only 17.5% had taken note of cysts in pig carcasses before
We report a 4.4% prevalence of porcine cysticercosis in slaughtered pigs in Ibadan, south-western Nigeria with attendant increased odds of poor knowledge and practices related to T. solium transmission among pig workers/consumers
Summary
Porcine cysticercosis, caused by Taenia solium is a global emerging socio-economic and public health problem [1]. Domesticated pigs are the natural host of the parasite and play a major role in the transmission cycle considering their close proximity to humans and the increasing pig keeping and pork consumption in many developing countries [2]. T. solium cysticercosis is a limiting factor to porcine husbandry especially in many developing countries of Latin America, Africa and Asia [6, 7]. Most pigs in the country are raised in rural settings where there are close interactions between pigs and humans. Some of the pigs are purchased and brought to abattoirs at urban centres for slaughter while others are slaughtered at unapproved places especially in the rural areas, putting prospective buyers at risk of T. solium infections
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