Abstract

The present study aimed at determining the prevalence of porcine cysticercosis and associated risk factors for taeniosis in Iringa rural. A total of 110 households rearing pigs from sixteen villages were involved in a survey in which 308 pigs were examined for Cysticercus cysts by antemortem and postmortem methods. The risk factors for taeniosis were assessed and evaluated through questionnaires, interviews and by direct observation. Of 308 pigs examined by lingual palpation, 23 (7.5%, p<0.001) had cysticerci; the prevalence rates was higher in male pigs than female 16 (69.5%) and 7 (30.4%), respectively. Likewise the prevalence was higher in villages away from the main roads where there were pigs that customarily ran loose or fed human feaces. The triceps muscle had the highest number of cysts 44 (51.1%) and the diaphragm had the lowest 6 (6.9%). Of 4020 people who sought for treatment in five wards per month, 155 (21.8%) had history of intestinal worms, 6 (2.2%) consumed uninspected pork from peoples house, 82 (74.5%) lack tap water, 13 (12%) had no toilets and 40 (22.7%) practiced free range pig husbandry or tethering method. The findings from this study identified community behavioral, household hygiene and environmental practices that should be modified to prevent continued transmission of cysticercosis and taeniosis in Iringa rural district.

Keywords:

Behavior, cysticercosis, pig husbandry, taenia solium,

References

Competing interests

The authors have no competing interests.

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The authors have no competing interests.