Abstract
Taenia solium is a cestode parasite that causes cysticercosis in both humans and pigs. A serological survey was undertaken to assess the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with porcine cysticercosis in the rural district of Morropon, Peru. Pigs aged between 2 and 60 months were assessed by the Enzyme-linked Immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) assay to determine their serological status against porcine cysticercosis in a cross-sectional study. A total of 1,153 pigs were sampled. Porcine seroprevalence was 45.19% (42.31–48.06). The information about the animals and households was analyzed and risk factors associated with seroprevalence were determined by a multivariate logistic regression analysis. In the porcine population, the risk of being seropositive increased by 7% with every month of age (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.05–1.09), and by 148% for pigs living in East Morropon (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.82–3.37). Whereas, the presence of latrines in a household decreased the risk of being seropositive by 49% (OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.39–0.67). Sex and rearing system did not represent either risk or protective factors associated with the seroprevalence of porcine cysticercosis. The findings of this study could be used for further development of control programs that might focus on similar population groups within rural communities of developing countries where cysticercosis is endemic.
Highlights
Neurocysticercosis is a disease that affects humans mainly in developing countries, causing serious morbidity and mortality [1]
In Peru, epidemiological studies based on serological surveys using the Enzyme-linked Immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) have determined variable porcine cysticercosis seroprevalences in the three natural regions the country: coast, highlands and Amazon
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that over 50,000 deaths per year are due to neurocysticercosis and the disease is the main cause of acquired epilepsy
Summary
Neurocysticercosis is a disease that affects humans mainly in developing countries, causing serious morbidity and mortality [1]. T. solium infection in pigs causes production losses to farmers because infected meat has reduced value or may be condemned at slaughterhouses. Epilepsy caused by neurocysticercosis in humans incurs many economic and social costs. It affects workers within highly productive age groups reducing work productivity [3]. In Peru, epidemiological studies based on serological surveys using the Enzyme-linked Immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) have determined variable porcine cysticercosis seroprevalences in the three natural regions the country: coast, highlands and Amazon. Studies done in the Peruvian Amazon found seroprevalences of porcine cysticercosis that ranged from 28% to 49% [6]. Studies in the Northern Coast of Peru found seroprevalences that ranged from 13% [4] to 30.8% [7]
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