Emergence of Cysticercosis, a neglected meat-borne notifiable zoonosis in Thika sub county of Kiambu county, Kenya

Abstract

Tapeworm Taenia solium, transmitted between humans and pigs, affects millions of
people in sub-Saharan Africa. The young form  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  members  at 6.3 while 13 cases of cysticercosis have been recorded in Thika

Level 5 Hospital. The levelof 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 
seroprevalence using antigen ELISA  1.83%. Results are significant in that they
report on presence of porcine and human cysticercosis  therefore the need to control
this important zoonosis in the area.