Human Contamination Research Articles

Determination of low-level 90Sr in large volumes of seawater.

Determination of low-level 90Sr in large volumes of seawater.

The reliability of CrAssphage in human fecal pollution detection: A cross-regional MST marker assessment.

The reliability of CrAssphage in human fecal pollution detection: A cross-regional MST marker assessment.

Investigation of Two Outbreaks of Hepatitis A Virus Infections Linked to Fresh and Frozen Strawberries Imported from Mexico - 2022-2023.

Investigation of Two Outbreaks of Hepatitis A Virus Infections Linked to Fresh and Frozen Strawberries Imported from Mexico - 2022-2023.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in chicken of the Marrakech-Safi region, Morocco

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular parasite that infects a wide range of animal species, including humans and livestock. Contamination can have significant health, economic and epidemiological consequences. Birds in general, and poultry in particular, appear to play an important role in the epidemiology and circulation of the parasite. The aim of this study was to determine, for the first time, the seroprevalence of T.gondii in chicken in the Marrakech-Safi region. Sera were collected between January 2019 and March 2020 from 486 chickens from three types of farming: 122 traditional (domestic) chickens, 109 free-range chickens, and 255 commercial (battery) chickens intended for consumption in the Marrakech-Safi region. Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) testing was performed by ELISA using a total T. gondii antigen. The mean seroprevalence of T.gondii in chicken in the study region was 30.65%. This study also showed a significant association (p<0.0001) between seroprevalence and type of farming: domestic chickens had a higher seroprevalence than free-range and commercial chickens.The high seropositivity in chicken could be explained by the widespread presence of T. gondii oocysts and/or cysts in their environment and diet. Consumption of undercooked or uncooked poultry products may be a source of potential contamination for humans and carnivores, including cats.

Revealing Microplastic Contamination in Mangrove Sediments from Setiu Wetlands, Malaysia

Mangrove ecosystems are vital for biodiversity conservation and coastal protection, serving as significant sinks for microplastics by trapping debris from both land and marine sources. This study investigates microplastic contamination in the mangrove sediments of Setiu Wetlands, Terengganu, a biodiversity hotspot with a unique landscape. Results revealed a concerning abundance of 2292 microplastic particles/kg of dry-weight sediment, with a high proportion of small-sized microplastics (&lt; 1 mm). Areas influenced by aquacultural activities displayed the highest abundance, highlighting the connection between human activities and contamination levels. Over 80% of the microplastics were fibers, primarily transparent and black, with surface analysis revealing signs of environmental degradation, including cracks and pits. These surface modifications may facilitate biofilm growth and metal binding, potentially increasing their toxicity. Polypropylene was the most common polymer detected, linking contamination to the breakdown of packaging materials, fishing nets, and ropes. A significant inverse correlation was found between sediment pH and microplastic abundance, while no relationship was observed with organic matter content. These findings highlight the alarming presence of microplastics in mangrove ecosystems, stressing the need for urgent action in waste management, plastic reduction, and further investigation into the ecological consequences of this pervasive threat.

Assessment of human faecal contamination on groundwater quality and reporting consequent waterborne diseases in Funtua Metropolis, Katsina State, Nigeria

Assessment of human faecal contamination on groundwater quality and reporting consequent waterborne diseases in Funtua Metropolis, Katsina State, Nigeria

Analysing The Safety Of THE Flight Operation Of A Promising Nuclear-Powered Aircraft

This article analyzes the safety of flight operations for a promising aircraft with a nuclear propulsion system. The initial experimental models of atomic-powered aircraft underwent operational testing during the first half of the twentieth century but were subsequently deemed unsuitable due to the heightened radiation and nuclear risks to humans and the environment. In light of the growing urgency surrounding the use of alternative fuels for engines, including those used in aircraft, it would be prudent to consider the resumption of the project to develop aircraft with a new-generation nuclear propulsion system utilizing low-enriched fuel. The results are characterized by the following features and distinctive features that allow the problem under study to be solved: - The occurrence of the initiating factors of an accident at a 6 MW nuclear power reactor with low-enriched nuclear fuel will not entail an aviation accident or incident involving increased human exposure and environmental radiation contamination. - An aviation accident accompanied by a nuclear and radiation accident with destruction of the reactor core is possible only if an aircraft crashes into a nuclear propulsion system, the probability of which does not exceed the risk of a similar event involving aircraft using conventional aviation fuel. The results of nuclear propulsion system safety analyses would also be in demand in energy, research and development, and other areas where nuclear reactors are used.

Evaluation of Moore and grab sampling method for Salmonella Typhi detection in environmental samples in Ghana.

Typhoid fever causes substantial mortality and morbidity in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) as a result of inadequate water, hygiene, and sanitation facilities. The gold standard for typhoid diagnosis is blood culture, however this method is expensive and mostly unavailable in LMICs. Environmental surveillance (ES) could offer a low cost alternative to identify circulation of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S.Typhi) and help inform public health interventions including vaccination. We implemented standardized protocols for ES at 40 validated sites in peri-urban communities in Ghana from July 2022 to August 2023. Grab samples (GS) and Moore swabs (MS) were collected monthly for the initial 6 months and subsequently monthly MS were maintained for the rest of the study period. Wastewater samples were tested for S. Typhi target genes (ttr, staG, tviB) and a biomarker of human faecal contamination (Bacteroides HF183) using multiplex quantitative PCR (qPCR). Clinical surveillance for typhoid fever was performed by blood culture of febrile cases presenting to the local hospital who lived in the study area. For the first 6 months of wastewater ES, we observed a higher prevalence of S. Typhi in MS compared to GS [100/240 (42%; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 34-50% vs. 24/240 (10%; 95% CI: 6-16%)]; p-value < 0.001]. Overall, the detection of S. Typhi throughout the study period based on MS was 42.1% (202/480; 95% CI: 35-50%). The prevalence of S. Typhi in blood culture surveillance was 0.21% [12/5,576; 95% CI: 0.12-0.38%]. Precipitation (1.1 (95% CI: 1.02-1.10) and number of wet days (2.0 (95%CI: 1.40-2.88) were positively associated with an increased odds of S. Typhi detection in MS and GS. Generally the proportion of S.Typhi detections in wastewater samples was less than blood culture-based detections. Limited detection of confirmed typhoid fever cases at the local hospital may reflect healthcare seeking behaviours, access as well as early treatment with over-the-counter antibiotics. Further work is required to confirm these qPCR detections with amplicon sequencing methods. Strategies also needs to be developed for integration of ES into public health decision making for the prevention of typhoid fever.

Understanding Antimicrobial Resistance: Global Responses Needed

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global public health challenge threatening modern medicine’s foundations. Resistance emerges from the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in human medicine, food production, and environmental contamination. The rising prevalence of drug-resistant pathogens exacerbates healthcare inequalities and strains healthcare systems worldwide. Current global initiatives focus on surveillance, research, and promoting responsible antimicrobial use. However, progress is hindered by economic disincentives, regulatory disparities, and limited access to diagnostics and treatment in low-income regions. Addressing AMR requires a “One Health” approach encompassing coordinated global efforts, equitable healthcare access, and innovative solutions in diagnostics, treatment, and prevention. A unified response from governments, industries, and academia is imperative to mitigate the AMR crisis and safeguard public health and sustainable development. Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance, public health, global initiatives, One Health approach, drug-resistant pathogens.

Applying epidemiology and quantitative microbial risk assessment to ambient water quality evaluation: case study of fecal contaminated water in a US inland lake

A Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA)-based approach was used to analyze the potential health impacts of fecal contamination on recreators using data from a small-scale epidemiological study conducted at East Fork Lake, Ohio. A sanitary survey identified multiple human sources of fecal pollution in the watershed potentially affecting the beach. The average predicted swimming-associated illness rate for the study period was approximately 49 illnesses per 1000 swimmers with human enteric viruses contributing the highest proportion of illness. The relative risk of illness from recreational exposures was elevated compared to target illness rates discussed in the current United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA)-recommended Recreational Ambient Water Quality Criteria (RWQC). Most illnesses reported during the epidemiological study occurred at levels of E. coli below the RWQC. Consistent with conclusions in U.S. EPA’s 2023 review of the current recreational criteria, these case study findings suggest that additional tools are needed to identify hazardous recreational conditions and protect public health. This case study highlights the specific need for a water quality surrogate for the presence of enteric viruses conveyed by human fecal contamination to protect potential swimmer risks from wastewater effluent and other human fecal sources entering a waterbody.

Evaluation of plasmid pBI143 for its optimal concentration methods, seasonal impact, and potential as a normalization parameter in wastewater-based epidemiology.

Plasmid pBI143, abundant in the human gut, is a promising human-specific fecal marker. However, studies on its optimal concentration methods, seasonal variations, and potential as a normalization parameter for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), remain limited. Among the three concentration methods compared, polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation and centrifugation demonstrated comparable efficiencies (9.3±0.6 and 9.2±0.6 log10 copies/L, respectively; n=8 each), outperforming membrane filtration (8.0±0.6 log10 copies/L; n=8). PEG precipitation was further applied to quantify pBI143, together with other human-specific fecal markers (crAssphage and pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV)), in 52 wastewater samples collected weekly over a one year from a wastewater treatment plant in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The higher pBI143 concentrations (9.6±0.5 log10 copies/L) compared to PMMoV (8.2±0.2 log10 copies/L) and crAssphage (8.0±0.2 log10 copies/L) highlighted its potential as a robust marker for human fecal contamination. Unlike PMMoV and crAssphage that remained stable across seasons, pBI143 showed seasonal fluctuations, especially during summer and autumn, suggesting its greater sensitivity to environmental conditions. The study evaluated the suitability of pBI143, crAssphage, and PMMoV for normalizing SARS-CoV-2 concentrations in wastewater; however, non-normalized SARS-CoV-2 concentrations showed the highest correlation with COVID-19 cases (ρ=0.74), whereas normalization reduced this correlation (PMMoV-normalized, ρ=0.72; crAssphage-normalized, ρ=0.70; and pBI143-normalized, ρ=0.50), likely due to differences in the persistence and structural properties of the markers, indicating that these markers are less effective for SARS-CoV-2 normalization. This study underscores the promising utility of pBI143 in wastewater surveillance but highlights the need for further research across diverse regions to validate its applicability.

Assessing antibiotic use practices on central Burkina Faso cattle farms and the associated risks to environmental and human health contamination: A pilot study

Background and Aim: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to global health, driven largely by antibiotic misuse in livestock farming. This pilot study explores cattle farmers’ antibiotic use practices and their implications for environmental and human health in peri-urban area of Ouagadougou. This study aimed to identify risky antibiotic use behaviors among cattle farmers and evaluate their contribution to environmental contamination and AMR dissemination. Materials and Methods: In April 2023, a survey was conducted among 50 cattle farm owners and managers across four peri-urban area of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Data were collected using structured questionnaires through Kobo Toolbox. Farmers’ practices were categorized as “good” or “poor” based on cumulative scores derived from binary-coded responses. Logistic regression was used to identify associations between practices and AMR risk factors. Results: Among participants, 98% (n = 49) were male, 76% (n = 38) had no formal animal health training, and 96% (n = 48) used antibiotics, primarily tetracyclines. Practices associated with increased AMR risk included reliance on non-veterinary personnel for antibiotic administration and inadequate waste management. Multivariate analysis revealed that traditional farming methods significantly reduced contamination risks (p &lt; 0.05). However, ownership of farms and using antibiotics solely for treatment were linked to higher odds of environmental contamination. Awareness of the implications of antibiotic residues in manure was low, with 82% of farmers uninformed about potential health risks. Conclusion: The study highlights prevalent antibiotic misuse and inadequate biosecurity measures among cattle farmers in Burkina Faso. These practices exacerbate AMR risks, necessitating urgent interventions. Strategies should include farmer education on biosecurity, stricter regulation of antibiotic use, and the promotion of sustainable farming practices. A One Health approach integrating human, animal, and environmental health is critical to addressing AMR challenges. Keywords: antibiotic use, antimicrobial resistance, burkina Faso, cattle farming, environmental contamination, one health.

Evaluation of tomato brown rugose fruit virus as a microbial source tracking marker for human sewage in Thailand.

Evaluation of tomato brown rugose fruit virus as a microbial source tracking marker for human sewage in Thailand.

Ne Health: Bisphenol a and Early Puberty, a Systematic Literature Review

Objective: Investigate the relationship between BPA exposure and precocious puberty. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework includes studies that aim to demonstrate human contamination by BPA; highlight its toxic potential to human health and the environment; and associate BPA exposure with alterations in pubertal development (Valadares and Pfeilsticker, 2012; Castro-Correia and Fontoura, 2015; Sonnenschein and Soto, 2010, among others). Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises a systematic literature review, analyzing experimental, epidemiological, and clinical studies available in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Results and Discussion: The results revealed a positive correlation between BPA exposure and alterations in pubertal development, particularly in girls, with evidence pointing to the influence of this compound in accelerating sexual maturation. However, the methodological heterogeneity of the studies and the lack of consensus on the exact biological mechanisms indicate the need for more robust research. Research Implications: This study contributes to the literature by demonstrating that BPA exposure may be a risk factor for precocious puberty, highlighting the importance of stricter regulatory policies and additional investigations to confirm and clarify this association. Originality/Value: This study significantly contributes to the literature by gathering and synthesizing available evidence on the relationship between bisphenol A (BPA) exposure and precocious puberty. It provides a comprehensive overview of the experimental, epidemiological, and clinical data, highlighting the potential of BPA as an environmental risk factor for alterations in pubertal development, particularly in girls.Furthermore, the article identifies critical gaps in scientific knowledge, such as the lack of consensus on the exact biological mechanisms through which BPA accelerates sexual maturation and the methodological heterogeneity present in the analyzed studies. This critical approach reinforces the need for future research that is more robust and methodologically consistent. Finally, by emphasizing the importance of stricter regulatory policies to minimize BPA exposure, the study also contributes to a public health agenda, pointing to pathways for interventions that can mitigate the impacts of this endocrine disruptor on human health and the environment.

Assessment of Water Quality in a Public Supply Source: Combined With the General Index of Human Contamination

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the water quality of the Miringuava River watershed through monitoring of chemical water quality parameters, assess the presence of Emerging Contaminants (EC) such as hormones and caffeine, and determine the General Index of Human Contamination (GIHC). Theoretical Framework: Watersheds located near urbanized areas play a crucial role in water resource management, especially when used for public supply. Due to land use and occupation, the natural dynamics of rivers, and reurbanization processes, monitoring water quality within a watershed is necessary (Pereira et al., 2021). Consequently, the social impact and effects on aquatic environments must be considered (Sekamane et al., 2023). Method: Two collections were conducted (C1 with 7 points and C2 with 16 points) upstream of the water intake station of SANEPAR to obtain water samples from the Miringuava River watershed. The methodology was defined in four stages: Definition of sampling points, sending water samples to the LEAQUA Laboratory – UTFPR, analysis of the data processed by the laboratory, and construction of the GIHC graphs. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed the presence of Emerging Contaminants in some water bodies in the region. Considering the hormone Estradiol (E2), which is an emerging contaminant, Ide et al., (2017) found a maximum value of 1420 ng L-1 in the Iguaçu River basin. In comparison, the values found in the Miringuava River basin were 23.14 ng L-1, indicating that the level of estradiol is considered low. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research indicate that there are already signs of minor contamination in the water bodies of the Miringuava River basin. Such implications demonstrate the need for monitoring in the region. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the understanding and confirmation of the presence of emerging contaminants in the Miringuava River basin, which will be used for public supply. By evaluating chemical parameters and the General Index of Human Contamination, it provides important information for water quality management in the region.

P1343 Impact of Biologic Therapy on Gut Microbiome in Crohn's Disease: An Indian Patient Cohort Study

Abstract Background The advent of biologic therapy has revolutionized the treatment paradigm in IBD. In developing countries including India, where affordability and accessibility drive the treatment choice, it is important to understand the mechanisms behind biologic therapy and pave way to the future to predict response rates. This prospective study examines the impact of biologic therapy on the gut microbiome in moderate-to severe CD patients in India. Methods Fecal samples were collected from healthy controls(n=36) and 39 CD patients at baseline and after completing induction doze [Infliximab (n=16), Vedolizumab (n=6), and Ustekinumab (n=17)]. Individuals on recent antibiotics(&amp;lt;8weeks)/probiotics/NSAIDs were excluded. Clinical response was assessed at 6-weeks, with follow-up at 6 months to classify responders (CDAI&amp;lt;150) and non-responders(CDAI&amp;gt;150). DNA was isolated from 114 fecal samples and subjected to whole-genome shotgun metagenomics to generate a minimum of 6GB data per sample. After removal of human DNA read contamination, taxonomy and functional annotation was assigned using Kraken2, Bracken, and Human3 tools and statistical significance by using Wilcoxon Test (R-Studio). Results The gut microbiome in CD at baseline exhibited reduced diversity, lower SCFA-producing bacteria and increased pro-inflammatory bacteria like Collinsella and Escherichia compared to healthy cohort. The human DNA content in fecal samples was significantly higher in CD compared to healthy cohort with mean of 19.2% and 0.06% respectively. Post biologic therapy, there was significant restoration of the gut microbiome with increase in bacterial diversity, increased abundance of SCFA-producing Firmicutes and Phascolaractobacterium , probiotic Bifidobacterium species and reduction in pathogenic bacteria Enterococcus gallinarium. The average human DNA content also decreased to 9.6%. On sub-analysis, between responders (n=31) and non-responders; pathogenic Klebsiella pneumonia, Fusobacterium and Corynebacterium were found to be higher in non-responders compared to responders (Fig2A). Further, 19 metabolic pathways significantly differed between responders and non-responders, which included those pathways responsible for degradation of carbohydrates and generation of precursor metabolites and energy higher in the former (Fig2B). Conclusion There is increased gut dysbiosis in CD relative to healthy cohort which appears to get restored upon biologic therapy. The findings suggest the biologic therapy may play a role in restoring the compromised intestinal barrier in CD. A microbiome-based signature to predict response rates on biologic therapy can be seen in future.

Farm-to-fork changes in poultry microbiomes and resistomes in Maputo City, Mozambique.

While chicken eggs and meat are a critical protein source in low-income settings, antibiotics are routinely fed to chickens with consequences for selection of antimicrobial resistance. Evaluating how poultry gut bacterial communities, including potential human pathogens and high-risk antimicrobial resistance genes, differ from farm to market could help identify where to target interventions to minimize transmission risks to human populations. In this study in Maputo City, Mozambique, we found compositional differences between commercial and local chicken breeds at production and market sites. We also found that while all potentially pathogenic bacteria and many high-risk antimicrobial resistance genes persisted from production and market through processing, some resistance genes were detected on carcass samples only after processing, suggesting human or environmental contamination is occurring within markets. Overall, our findings indicate that open-air markets may represent a critical juncture for human exposures to pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes from poultry and poultry products.

Seasonal variations in fecal contamination of shallow groundwater in Altamira, Amazon, Brazil

Altamira city, in the north of Brazil, is known to be a support region since the construction of the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Complex. The Xingu River permeates the city, being extremely important as a tributary of the Amazon River. Only a portion of the population is provided with basic sanitation, and alternatively use water wells and septic tanks, which can be sources of contamination. The study sought to understand the seasonal variation of fecal contamination in groundwater resources. The households were divided into six zones, from which 30 wells were sampled in the dry and wet seasons. For the Escherichia coli detection, a Compartment Bag Test (CBT) (Aquagenx®) was used, and for the Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (B. theta) detection, the microbial source tracking (MST) approach, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays (qPCR) were used. The presence of E. coli and B. theta was verified in all seasons. In the dry season, 63.3% of sampled wells showed E. coli contamination, and in the wet 76.6%. B. theta was detected in 43.3% of the wells in the dry season and 36.6% in the wet season. In the dry season, 26.6% of the wells presented E. coli and B. theta simultaneously, and in the wet season, 33.3%. The quantification of B. theta was lower in wet seasons, indicating that the source of contamination for both, E. coli and B. theta, may be different, also, the mechanism of reach and maintenance for E. coli in the aquifer appears to be related to runoff and percolation of contaminants from the soil surface not just associated with human fecal contamination.

Survey of pathogens and human fecal markers in stormwater across a highly populated urban region.

Microbial contamination of urban stormwater, rivers, and creeks during rainstorms is a persistent and widespread problem. Remediation of these waters has proven to be challenging since there are many potential sources for the fecal indicator bacteria on which water quality is regulated. Microbial source tracking markers have allowed for improved identification and quantification of the sources of contamination, but the majority of the source-attributed microbial targets are not responsible for causing the illnesses associated with waterborne human fecal contamination. Thus there is a need to better understand the relationships of human pathogens and human fecal markers in stormwater. In this study, we used a spatially-intensive sampling approach (31 sites) across southern California for the analysis of stormwater. During three storms from 2021-2023, we used droplet digital PCR to quantify the human fecal markers HF183 and Lachno3 along with human adenovirus, human norovirus, Campylobacter spp., and Salmonella spp. This spatially intensive sampling design captures information from a 5900 km2 area with ∼22 million people. We detected human markers HF183 and Lachno3 genes at 90% and 97% of the sites; concentrations ranged from below detection to 104 and 105 gene copies per 100 mL, respectively. We found variable concentrations of human bacterial and viral pathogen genes. HF183 was significantly correlated to human adenovirus and Lachno3. Lachno3 was also significantly correlated with Salmonella. We reported PCR inhibition in 83-90% of the samples but found that separating sediment and adding proteinase K during lysis improved DNA/RNA extraction efficiency and reduced inhibition.

Occurrence of Taenia species and Toxoplasma gondii in pigs slaughtered in Bujumbura city, Kayanza and Ngozi provinces, Burundi

BackgroundTaenia spp. and Toxoplasma gondii are foodborne parasites affecting humans and pigs. The magnitude of the burden of these parasites in pigs in Burundi is not known. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Taenia spp. infections in pigs by meat inspection, partial carcass dissection and molecular confirmation and estimate the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pigs by serology. A cross-sectional study was conducted in pig slaughter slabs located in Bujumbura city, Kayanza and Ngozi provinces. Multisampling strategies were used to sample 576 pigs. Upon pig slaughter, blood samples were collected to perform indirect ELISA for detecting antibodies against the T. gondii P30 protein in the serum. Routine meat inspection was carried out to detect T. solium and T. hydatigena cysticerci. The tongue, heart and masseter muscles were dissected by making slices less than 5 mm thick to estimate the intensity and stages of T. solium cysticerci. A subset of cysticerci and suspected lesions per infected pig were examined using PCR-RFLP to differentiate Taenia spp.ResultsOf the 576 pigs, 14 (2.4%) were positive for T. solium cysticercosis by meat inspection and 67 (11.6%) by partial carcass dissection. After molecular analysis, 66 (11.5%) samples were confirmed to be T. solium infections. The average of T. solium cysticerci in the dissected organs was estimated at 80 cysticerci. Most cysticerci (76.1%) were counted in the masseter muscles, followed by the tongue (18.8%) and the heart (5.1%). The majority of cysticerci (88.3%) were viable, 6.4% were calcified and 5.3% were degenerated. Approximately 69% of the pigs infected with T. solium had light infections, 13.4% had moderate infections and 17.9% had heavy infections. Thirty-two out of 576 pigs (5.5%) were suspected of being infected with T. hydatigena by meat inspection, but 24 pigs (4.2%) were confirmed molecularly to be positive for T. hydatigena infection. The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in pigs was 17.7%.ConclusionsThis study indicates that T. solium and T. gondii parasites are endemic in Burundi and provides evidence of potential public health risks for the local population. Effective control strategies, including improved pig farming practices, better hygiene and sanitation, increased meat inspection, monitoring of infected pigs, risk-free culinary practices, and treatment of tapeworm carriers, should be implemented to avoid the perpetual contamination of pigs and humans with these zoonotic parasites.