Epidemiological survey of swine cysticercosis in two rural communities of West-Cameroon.
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.
Pouedet
M S R
MS
Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Science, University of Dschang, P.O. Box 222, Dschang, Cameroon.
Zoli
A P
AP
Nguekam
Vondou
L
L
Assana
E
E
Speybroeck
N
N
Berkvens
D
D
Dorny
P
P
Brandt
J
J
Geerts
S
S
D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000818:Animals; D000909:Antibodies, Helminth / Q000097:blood; D000947:Antigens, Helminth / Q000097:blood; D001499:Bayes Theorem; D002163:Cameroon / Q000453:epidemiology; D003551:Cysticercosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D012424:Rural Population; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D013552:Swine; D013553:Swine Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology*; D013621:Taenia / Q000254:growth & development*; D014038:Toilet Facilities; D014059:Tongue / Q000469:parasitology
D000909:Antibodies, Helminth; D000947:Antigens, Helminth