Porcine Cysticercosis Seroprevalence and Potential Transmission Risk Factors in Iringa District Council, Tanzania

Abstract Background Porcine cysticercosis is endemic in Tanzania, especially in the southern, central part and northern highlands of the country. The disease reduces meat quality and affects pig industry. This study investigated porcine cysticercosis prevalence and possible risk factors for reference in preparation for sustainable control measures. Methods Current seroprevalence and potential risk factors were studied in selected ward/villages of Iringa district council, in the southern highland of Tanzania, prior to a digital health education intervention. A total of 346 pigs from 88 households of Izazi, Migoli and Mlowa wards were studied using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), which detects Taenia species antigens (Ag) in sera. Questionnaire used to dig information on pig management and sanitation and hygiene practices. Results The AgELISA detected 22.3% of the surveyed pigs as positive for porcine cysticercosis. The detected porcine cysticercosis seropositivity ranged between 21.3% and 25.7% per individual ward, with at least one seropositive pig in 53.4% of the surveyed households. Confining pigs was significantly related to low porcine cysticercosis seropositivity (OR = 2.426; 95% CI = 1.202–5.300; p = 0.026), whereas scavenging pigs had two times chance of being Ag-ELISA seropositive. Conclusions Pig confinement and feeding skills and community sensitization on hygiene and sanitation are recommended. Therefore, practical ways of delivering health education to rural communities such as the studied community should be investigated.