Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Porcine Cysticercosis and Trichinella spiralis in backyard pigs in Bucaramanga province, Colombia

Abstract

A large number of the parasitic agents that alter the health of swine could be spread to humans, especially in backyard conditions, and, many times, cause difficulties in public health and food availability. For that reason, this investigation was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated to swine cysticercosis and Trichinella spiralis in backyard pigs in Bucaramanga province, Colombia. A total of 380 serum samples were used for the search of T. spiralis and Tenia solium antibodies, by the ELISA. The seroprevalence of T. solium cysticercosis infection was 40.5%, whilst anti-T. spiralis antibodies were not observed in the processed samples. Regarding risk factors, free-ranging pigs and non-dewormed pigs showed almost 3 (OR=2.9; p≤0.05) and 2.7 (OR=2.7; p≤0.05) times more risk of presenting antibodies against T. solium cysticercosis. The seroprevalence of swine cysticercosis found in this investigation can be caused to bad buildings, and the absence of cleanliness in the buildings thus increasing the spread of parasites zoonotic potential among swine and people. For this reason, adequate sanitary management and health education measures must be applied to reduce the possible transmission of these parasites.