Emergence of Cysticercosis, a neglected meat-borne notifiable zoonosis in Thika sub county of Kiambu county, Kenya
Loading...
Date
2019
Authors
Nguhiu, P.N.
Kabuage, L.W.
Warutere, P.N.
Kabui, K.K.
Kanina, P.M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Scholars Journals Publishing Corporation
Abstract
The tapeworm Taenia solium, transmitted between humans and pigs, affects millions of
people in sub-Saharan Africa. The young form of the tape worm causes a tissue infection
called cysticercosis and a specific effect called neurocysticercosis in humans affects the
brain; and, is the most common cause of seizes - acquired epilepsy. In addition, infected
pigs lead to considerable economic losses due to down grading or total condemnation of
the carcass. Thika has been reported as the highest consumer of pork among Kenyan urban
areas and a comprehensive survey of cysticercosis in the area had not been previously
carried out. A study was done from May 2016 to June 2017 with the purpose to investigate
the prevalence and factors associated with taeniosis and porcine cysticercosis in Thika Sub
County. The specific objectives were to determine the prevalence and factors associated
with Taenia solium taeniosis/ cysticercosis, prevalence of porcine cysticercosis in pig
farms and seroprevalence of porcine cysticercosis in pigs slaughtered in abattoirs in
Thika. Taeniosis was present among the community members with prevalence at 6.3 %
while 13 cases of cysticercosis have been recorded in Thika Level 5 Hospital. The level
of awareness among pig consumers and vendors on taeniosis/ cysticercosis was found to
be low with fried pork being the most preferred method for pork preparation. Prevalence
of porcine cysticercosis by lingual palpation was 1.81% among the farms surveyed and
seroprevalence using antigen ELISA was1.83%. These results are significant in that they
report on presence of porcine and human cysticercosis and therefore the need to control
this important zoonosis in the area.
Description
A research article published in Journal of Rural Development under CC BY 4.0 :https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Keywords
Abattoir surveillance, Cysticercosis, pork tapeworm, Taenia solium
Citation
Nguhiu, P.N., Kabuage, L.W., Warutere, P.N., Kabui, K.K. and Kanina, P.M 2019. Emergence of Cysticercosis, a neglected meat-borne notifiable zoonosis in Thika sub county of Kiambu county, Kenya. African Journal of Rural Development 4 (2): 203-209.