Serology survey of Ascaris suum and Trichinella spiralis in rural pigs in Southwestern Mexico

Background Parasitic diseases of pigs are a public and veterinary health problem. Helminths influence pork production, whereas backyard pigs can transmit these parasites. Objectives This work aimed to investigate the prevalence of antibodies against Ascaris suum and Trichinella spiralis in backyard pigs from Jamiltepec, Region de la Costa, Oaxaca, in Southwestern Mexico. Methods Six hundred sixty‐four serum samples were obtained from backyard pigs from 23 rural villages distributed in 5 municipalities; samples were taken in a non‐probabilistic manner with the owner's consent. The presence of serum antibodies against a total extract of A. suum adult worm was determined by ELISA. In contrast, antibodies to the excretion‐secretion products of the T. spiralis muscle larva were determined by Western blot. Results The global seroprevalence for A. suum was 5.12% and 2.41% for T. spiralis; however, antibodies were only found in 8 villages and distributed in 3 municipalities. The highest frequency of positivity for Ascaris was found in the municipality of Santa Catarina Mechoacán (13.01%), whereas, in Santa María Huazalotitlán, the highest frequency of positivity for Trichinella was found (5.75%). In San Andrés, frequencies were 7.23% and 4.82%, respectively. No statistical differences were observed between populations. Conclusions Our data suggest that helminth transmission is restricted by locality. However, further studies must be conducted to understand the factors limiting this transmission to promote pork meat production in parasite‐free zones. ● In Mexico, the Ascaris suum prevalence oscillates between 8% and 60%, whereas the prevalence of T. spiralis ranges between 2% and 5%, but there is no certainty about its circulation throughout the country. ● Seroprevalences of 5.12% for A. suum and 2.41% for T. spiralis were found; however, antibodies were found in eight villages and distributed in three municipalities, which were distant from the negative ones. ● Data suggest that the prevalence of helminths studied here is focused by locality; knowing the factors that restrict helminth transmission will be useful to establish parasite‐free zones that would benefit pork products trade.