Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Taenia solium Cysticercosis in Rural Pigs of Northern Peru

Taenia solium is a cestode parasite that causes cysticercosis in both humans and pigs. A serological survey was undertaken to assess the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with porcine cysticercosis in the rural district of Morropon, Peru. Pigs aged between 2 and 60 months were assessed by the Enzyme-linked Immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) assay to determine their serological status against porcine cysticercosis in a cross-sectional study. A total of 1,153 pigs were sampled. Porcine seroprevalence was 45.19% (42.31–48.06). The information about the animals and households was analyzed and risk factors associated with seroprevalence were determined by a multivariate logistic regression analysis. In the porcine population, the risk of being seropositive increased by 7% with every month of age (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.05–1.09), and by 148% for pigs living in East Morropon (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.82–3.37). Whereas, the presence of latrines in a household decreased the risk of being seropositive by 49% (OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.39–0.67). Sex and rearing system did not represent either risk or protective factors associated with the seroprevalence of porcine cysticercosis. The findings of this study could be used for further development of control programs that might focus on similar population groups within rural communities of developing countries where cysticercosis is endemic. Author Summary: Taenia solium causes taeniasis in humans and cysticercosis in humans and pigs. In humans the parasite may infect the central nervous system and cause neurocysticercosis. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that over 50,000 deaths per year are due to neurocysticercosis and the disease is also the main cause of acquired epilepsy. Pigs act as intermediate hosts for the parasite's transmission. Porcine cysticercosis causes economic losses to farmers of developing countries, because infected pork has reduced value or may be condemned. Previous studies have identified risk factors for T. solium infection in pigs in various parts of the world; however, findings are contradictory or not consistent. In this study, particular areas in which pigs lived and age (older pigs were at higher risk) increased the risk of being seropositive; whereas the use of latrines decreased their risk of being seropositive. The results of this study contribute to epidemiology of porcine cysticercosis in rural areas, which is relevant for establishing effective control programs in rural locations with similar characteristics.