Abstract
The objective of this study was to explore the reasons for the persistence of human cysticercosis (HCC) transmission in Mbulu District, northern Tanzania. The study was carried out in 25 villages, whereby five major risks were identified. The risks were indiscriminate defaecation and improper use of toilets; a free-range system of keeping pigs; indiscriminate or unregulated slaughtering and inadequate meat hygiene and inspection; consumption of undercooked and porcine cysticerci infected pork; and social structure and roles. All of the identified risks were backed up by the immanent lifestyles of the community involved. These findings are important for the development of intervention strategies in the study area.
Highlights
Human cysticercosis (HCC) is a tissue invasion by the pork tapeworm larvae, Taenia solium
Indiscriminate defaecation and improper use of toilets (OR = 3.0; 95% CI, 1.028–8.755); a free-range system of keeping pigs (OR = 5.0; 95% CI, 1.195–20.922); indiscriminate or unregulated slaughtering, inadequate meat hygiene and inspection (OR = 6.5; 95% CI, 2.009–21.033); consumption of undercooked and infected pork (OR = 1.25; 95% CI, 0.681–2.293); and social structures and roles (OR = 0.75; 95% CI, 0.382–1.471) were found to be the five main risk factors for HCC epidemiology in Mbulu
The reasons for indiscriminate defaecation and improper use of toilets in Mbulu District include the belief that human faeces are a good and readily available source of food for domestic animals, children should relieve themselves in play grounds which roaming pigs, scavenging chickens and pet dogs can access
Summary
Human cysticercosis (HCC) is a tissue invasion by the pork tapeworm larvae, Taenia solium. Humans are definitive hosts of T. solium and are infected by eating undercooked pork that contains viable cysticerci. The disease is among the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) with a negative impact on public health and the piggery industry. It is endemic in most resource poor countries where sanitation is inadequate and free-range pig farming is practiced (Garcia et al 2003). As a result of migrations, tourism and globalisation, HCC is reported in industrialised countries (Canas et al 2005; Schantz et al 1998) where sanitation is adequate. With globalisation and increased tourism, the disease poses a threat worldwide
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