Prevalence of porcine cysticercosis in Vellore, South India

Background Porcine cysticercosis is acquired by pigs through consumption of human faeces containing Taenia solium ova and indicates the presence of active transmission of the parasite between pigs and humans. Methods The prevalence of porcine cysticercosis was assessed by an antigen ELISA and enzyme linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) for antibodies in rural and urban areas of southern India. Results Of the 112 porcine blood samples, 13 (11.6%) were positive for cysticercal antigens and the free-range pigs were 3.6 times more likely to be infected than the slaughtered pigs and 67 (59.8 %) tested positive for serum antibodies indicating high exposure to T. solium eggs. Conclusion The high prevalence of porcine cysticercosis recorded in the study areas mandates public health measures, which includes meat inspection.