Epidemiological survey of swine cysticercosis in two rural communities of West-Cameroon

Vet Parasitol. 2002 May 30;106(1):45-54. doi: 10.1016/s0304-4017(02)00035-3.

Abstract

To determine the prevalence of porcine cysticercosis, a survey was carried out in 27 villages belonging to two rural communities of West-Cameroon (Bafou and Bamendou). Between January and August, 2000, a total of 707 pigs were examined serologically and by tongue inspection. Serum samples were examined for circulating parasite antigen using a monoclonal antibody-based sandwich enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay (Ag-ELISA) and for antibodies against cysticerci (Ab-ELISA). Seventy eight samples (11.0%) were found positive in the Ag-ELISA and 154 (21.8%) in the Ab-ELISA, while by tongue inspection on the same animals cysticerci were detected in 43 pigs (6.1%). Gibbs sampling using results of these three tests indicated that the estimated prevalence of porcine cysticercosis was 10.9%. Analysis of the Ag-ELISA results demonstrated that adult pigs showed a significantly higher seroprevalence (15%) than young ones (8.4%). There was no statistical difference in cysticercosis prevalence in pigs raised in households with or without a latrine. Animals that were reported to be usually confined were significantly less infected (9.9%) than free-roaming pigs (16.2%). Infection rates were significantly higher in pigs that had access to human faeces (13.8%) than those which did not have access (9.1%). This study has identified some community behavioural and environmental practices that should be modified to prevent continuous transmission of porcine cysticercosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animal Husbandry
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Helminth / blood
  • Antigens, Helminth / blood
  • Bayes Theorem
  • Cameroon / epidemiology
  • Cysticercosis / epidemiology
  • Cysticercosis / parasitology
  • Cysticercosis / veterinary*
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / veterinary
  • Female
  • Male
  • Rural Population
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Swine
  • Swine Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Swine Diseases / parasitology*
  • Taenia / growth & development*
  • Toilet Facilities
  • Tongue / parasitology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Helminth
  • Antigens, Helminth