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Zulu G, Sikasunge CS, Welte TM, Simuunza MC, Stelzle D, Schmidt V, Hachangu A, Mutale W, Masuku M, Chembensofu M, da Costa CP, Mwape KE, Winkler AS, Phiri IK. Epidemiology of intestinal helminthiasis with an emphasis on taeniasis in Chipata district of the Eastern province of Zambia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011561. [PMID: 37983246 PMCID: PMC10695371 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal helminth infections are among the most common infections worldwide and have a negative impact on the health, education, nutrition and economic development of affected populations. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of intestinal helminthiasis, including T. solium taeniasis, using a large-scale community-based study in Chiparamba area of Chipata District in the Eastern province of Zambia. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2019 and December 2022 in a rural community of 25 randomly selected villages known to be at risk for T. solium infection. Stool samples were examined for intestinal helminths using the formol-ether concentration technique and further tested for taeniasis by copro antigen-ELISA (copro Ag-ELISA). Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted, and associations between the disease prevalence of active infections and individual- and village-level variables were determined using the chi-square or Fisher's exact test. Predictors of an individual being positive for either taeniasis or other soil-transmitted helminths were determined using binary logistic regression. A total of 2762 stool samples were examined. One hundred ninety-five (7.1%) tested positive for at least one helminthic parasite on microscopy, with hookworm being the most frequent 84 (3.0%), followed by S. mansoni, 66 (2.4%). For taeniasis, 11 (0.4%) participants were positive for Taenia spp. microscopically, while 241 (8.7%) tested positive via copro Ag-ELISA. On bivariate analysis, male sex was significantly associated with the prevalence of intestinal parasites (p = 0.012) but not with that of taeniasis based on copro Ag-ELISA results. Village level differences were significant for infection with intestinal helminths as well as for taeniasis positivity on copro Ag-ELISA (p <0.001). CONCLUSION Intestinal helminths, including T. solium taeniasis, are prevalent in Chiparamba area of Chipata district in the eastern province of Zambia, supporting the clear need for further targeted public health interventions for surveillance and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Zulu
- Ministry of Health, Government of the Republic of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Chummy S. Sikasunge
- Department of Para-clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Tamara M. Welte
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Epilepsy Centre, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Centre for Global Health, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin C. Simuunza
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Dominik Stelzle
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Centre for Global Health, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Veronika Schmidt
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Centre for Global Health, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alex Hachangu
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Wilbroad Mutale
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Maxwell Masuku
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Mwelwa Chembensofu
- Department of Para-clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Clarissa Prazeres da Costa
- Centre for Global Health, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich site, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kabemba E. Mwape
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Andrea S. Winkler
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Centre for Global Health, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Isaac K. Phiri
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
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Zulu G, Mwape KE, Welte TM, Simuunza MC, Hachangu A, Mutale W, Chembensofu M, Sikasunge CS, Phiri IK, Winkler AS. Community knowledge, attitudes and practices related to Taenia solium taeniosis and cysticercosis in Zambia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011375. [PMID: 37561784 PMCID: PMC10443877 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies on Taenia solium taeniosis / cysticercosis (TSTC) have been conducted in Zambia. However, none has assessed community knowledge, attitudes and practices related to TSTC and epilepsy. METHODS A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between November and December 2022. The design consisted of a questionnaire-based survey conducted in each of the 25 purposely selected villages in Chiparamba Rural Health Centre (RHC) catchment area in Chipata district of the Eastern Province. RESULTS A total of 588 participants comprising 259 (44%) males and 329 (56%) females with median age of 42 years (range 17 to 92 years) were interviewed. Awareness of the signs and symptoms of taeniosis and human cysticercosis (HCC), including transmission and prevention measures was very low. Whilst the majority had heard about epilepsy, they were not able to link HCC to epilepsy. Most participants were aware of cysticerci in pigs (PCC) including its predilection sites but were not aware of mode of transmission and prevention measures. The pork meat inspection by trained professionals was also not a common practice in the area. Risk perception of T. solium infections was thus very low. Overall knowledge, attitude and practice scores related to T. solium infections and to epilepsy were very low with median scores of 0.38 (IQR 0.25-0.54) for knowledge, 0.25 (0.25-0.50) for attitudes, and 0.31 (0.25-0.44) for practices. Males had better knowledge on TSTC (median = 0.42, p = 0.017, r = 0.098) and better practice scores (median = 0.38, p = < 0.001, r = 0.154) compared to females though the effect size was small. With regards to sanitation and hygiene washing with soap and water was reported by many but only few had a hand washing facility near their latrines. CONCLUSION The study shows overall poor knowledge, attitudes and practices related to TSTC among the community of Chiparamba RHC in Chipata district of the Eastern Province of Zambia. This poses a serious challenge for control and elimination of T. solium infections and thus efforts to improve knowledge, attitudes and practices should be made using a One Health approach for the control and elimination of TSTC. Educational programs about TSTC transmission, signs and symptoms, prevention, management and control need to be scaled up in the study area and Zambia as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Zulu
- Ministry of Health, Government of the Republic of Zambia
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Kabemba E. Mwape
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Tamara M. Welte
- Department of Neurology, Center for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martin C. Simuunza
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Alex Hachangu
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Wilbroad Mutale
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Mwelwa Chembensofu
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Chummy S. Sikasunge
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Isaac K. Phiri
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Andrea S. Winkler
- Department of Neurology, Center for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Zulu G, Stelzle D, Mwape KE, Welte TM, Strømme H, Mubanga C, Mutale W, Abraham A, Hachangu A, Schmidt V, Sikasunge CS, Phiri IK, Winkler AS. The epidemiology of human Taenia solium infections: A systematic review of the distribution in Eastern and Southern Africa. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011042. [PMID: 37000841 PMCID: PMC10096517 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background
Taenia solium is a tapeworm that causes taeniosis in humans and cysticercosis in humans and pigs. Within Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA), information on the presence of human taeniosis and cysticercosis seems scarce. This systematic review aimed to describe the current information available and gaps in the epidemiology of human T. solium infections in ESA.
Methods/Principle findings
Scientific literature published between 1st January 2000 and 20th June 2022 in international databases [MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Global Health (Ovid), Scopus (Elsevier), African Index Medicus (via WHO Global Index Medicus), and Open Grey] was systematically reviewed for ESA. The study area included 27 countries that make up the ESA region. Information on either taeniosis, cysticercosis or NCC was available for 16 of 27 countries within the region and a total of 113 reports were retained for the review. Most case reports for cysticercosis and NCC were from South Africa, while Tanzania had the most aggregated cysticercosis reports. Eleven countries reported on NCC with seven countries reporting data on NCC and epilepsy. Unconfirmed human T. solium taeniosis cases were reported in nine countries while two countries (Madagascar and Zambia) reported confirmed T. solium cases. The cysticercosis seroprevalence ranged between 0.7–40.8% on antigen (Ag) ELISA and between 13.1–45.3% on antibody (Ab) ELISA. Based on immunoblot tests the Ab seroprevalence was between 1.7–39.3%, while the proportion of NCC-suggestive lesions on brain CT scans was between 1.0–76% depending on the study population. The human taeniosis prevalence based on microscopy ranged between 0.1–14.7%. Based on Copro Ag-ELISA studies conducted in Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia, the highest prevalence of 19.7% was reported in Kenya.
Conclusions
Despite the public health and economic impact of T. solium in ESA, there are still large gaps in knowledge about the occurrence of the parasite, and the resulting One Health disease complex, and monitoring of T. solium taeniosis and cysticercosis is mostly not in place.
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Sitali MC, Schmidt V, Mwenda R, Sikasunge CS, Mwape KE, Simuunza MC, da Costa CP, Winkler AS, Phiri IK. Experimental animal models and their use in understanding cysticercosis: A systematic review. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271232. [PMID: 35853079 PMCID: PMC9295976 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cysticercosis and Neurocysticercosis (NCC) can be studied using several animal species in experimental models which contributes to the understanding of the human form of the disease. Experimental infections of Taenia spp. are vital in explaining the modes of transmission of the parasite and helps the understanding of transmission of the parasite in humans and thus may be useful in designing therapeutic and immune-prophylactic studies to combat the disease. Thus, this systematic review aims to explore the existing experimental animal models to the understanding of cysticercosis in both humans and animals and elucidate the risk factors of cysticercosis and identify the Taenia spp. used in these models. METHODOLOGY We systematically identified all publications from the Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Pubmed regarding experimental animal models using Taenia spp. that cause cysticercosis in both humans and animals. 58 studies were identified for eligibility. Of these, only 48 studies met the inclusion criteria from which data extraction was done and presented descriptively. RESULTS Pigs, cattle, gerbils, mice, rats, voles, monkeys, cats, dogs, and goats were used in which T. solium, T. saginata, T. saginata asiatica, T. crassiceps and T. asiatica were studied. The routes used to induce disease were; oral, intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intraarterial, intracranial, intraduodenal, and surgical routes using eggs, oncospheres, and proglottids. Besides, the establishment of infection using eggs and oncospheres was affected by the route used to induce infection in the experimental animals. The cysticerci recovery rate in all the experimental studies was low and the number of animals used in these experiments varied from 1 to 84. Although not analysed statistically, sex, age, and breed of animals influenced the cysticerci recovery rate. Additionally, the cysticerci recovery rate and antibody-antigen levels were shown to increase with an increase in the dose of oncospheres and eggs inoculated in the animals. Contrasting results were reported in which the cysticerci recovery rate decreased with an increase in the dose of eggs inoculated. CONCLUSION This review describes the various animal experiments using Taenia species that cause cysticercosis highlighting the animals used, age and their breed, the routes of infection used to induce disease and the sample size used, and the cysticerci recovery rate in these animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muloongo C. Sitali
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Veronika Schmidt
- Centre for Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Racheal Mwenda
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Chummy S. Sikasunge
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Kabemba E. Mwape
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Martin C. Simuunza
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Clarissa P. da Costa
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea S. Winkler
- Department of Neurology, Centre for Global Health, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Isaac K. Phiri
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
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Sadlowski H, Schmidt V, Hiss J, Kuehn JA, Schneider CG, Zulu G, Hachangu A, Sikasunge CS, Mwape KE, Winkler AS, Schuelke M. Diagnosis of Taenia solium infections based on "mail order" RNA-sequencing of single tapeworm egg isolates from stool samples. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009787. [PMID: 34890398 PMCID: PMC8694474 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Combined community health programs aiming at health education, preventive anti-parasitic chemotherapy, and vaccination of pigs have proven their potential to regionally reduce and even eliminate Taenia solium infections that are associated with a high risk of neurological disease through ingestion of T. solium eggs. Yet it remains challenging to target T. solium endemic regions precisely or to make exact diagnoses in individual patients. One major reason is that the widely available stool microscopy may identify Taenia ssp. eggs in stool samples as such, but fails to distinguish between invasive (T. solium) and less invasive Taenia (T. saginata, T. asiatica, and T. hydatigena) species. The identification of Taenia ssp. eggs in routine stool samples often prompts a time-consuming and frequently unsuccessful epidemiologic workup in remote villages far away from a diagnostic laboratory. Here we present "mail order" single egg RNA-sequencing, a new method allowing the identification of the exact Taenia ssp. based on a few eggs found in routine diagnostic stool samples. We provide first T. solium transcriptome data, which show extremely high mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) transcript counts that can be used for subspecies classification. "Mail order" RNA-sequencing can be administered by health personnel equipped with basic laboratory tools such as a microscope, a Bunsen burner, and access to an international post office for shipment of samples to a next generation sequencing facility. Our suggested workflow combines traditional stool microscopy, RNA-extraction from single Taenia eggs with mitochondrial RNA-sequencing, followed by bioinformatic processing with a basic laptop computer. The workflow could help to better target preventive healthcare measures and improve diagnostic specificity in individual patients based on incidental findings of Taenia ssp. eggs in diagnostic laboratories with limited resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Sadlowski
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of the Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany
| | - Veronika Schmidt
- Department of Neurology, Centre for Global Health, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
- Centre for Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jonathan Hiss
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of the Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johannes A. Kuehn
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of the Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian G. Schneider
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of the Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gideon Zulu
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Alex Hachangu
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Kabemba E. Mwape
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Andrea S. Winkler
- Department of Neurology, Centre for Global Health, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
- Centre for Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Markus Schuelke
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of the Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of the Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Neuropediatrics, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Price M, Cyrs A, Sikasunge CS, Mwansa J, Lodh N. Testing the Infection Prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni after Mass Drug Administration by Comparing Sensitivity and Specificity of Species-Specific Repeat Fragment Amplification by PCR and Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 101:78-83. [PMID: 31115299 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a blood parasitic disease caused by trematode parasites of the genus Schistosoma. Schistosoma mansoni is one of the main contributors of the disease and 90% of the global burden of schistosomiasis is in Africa. Mass drug administration (MDA) has been implemented to reduce the disease burden in endemic areas. Because of MDA, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for classical diagnostic tests are reduced. In any disease situation, diagnosis is vital in determining asymptomatic, concurrent, current, new, and reinfection cases to evaluate the efficacy of any control program. We have evaluated the positive infection for S. mansoni from filtered urine samples collected from Zambian school children after MDA using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and compared its sensitivity and specificity with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). One hundred eleven urine samples collected from school children aged between 7 and 15 years from Siavonga district in southern Zambia were evaluated by PCR and LAMP for DNA extracted by two different protocols (filter-based versus crude extraction). The infection prevalence was 77% with PCR and almost 94% with mansoni-LAMP. Also, LAMP detected 16% (Qiagen extraction) and 10% (LAMP-Procedure for Ultra Rapid Extraction) more positive S. mansoni infection than PCR. We have demonstrated the efficacy of LAMP in a laboratory setup after MDA. The possible inclusion of LAMP as a field-based point-of-care test for surveillance can provide reliable prevalence of schistosomiasis after MDA and help in determining the efficacy of a control program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Price
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Austin Cyrs
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Chummy S Sikasunge
- Department of Para-clinical Studies, The University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - James Mwansa
- University Teaching Hospital, The University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Nilanjan Lodh
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Gabriël S, Dorny P, Mwape KE, Trevisan C, Braae UC, Magnussen P, Thys S, Bulaya C, Phiri IK, Sikasunge CS, Makungu C, Afonso S, Nicolau Q, Johansen MV. Control of Taenia solium taeniasis/cysticercosis: The best way forward for sub-Saharan Africa? Acta Trop 2017; 165:252-260. [PMID: 27140860 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Taenia solium taeniasis/cysticercosis is a neglected parasitic zoonosis with significant economic and public health impacts. Control measures can be broadly grouped into community health education, improvements in hygiene and sanitary conditions, proper meat handling at household and community level, improved standards of meat inspection, pig management, treatment of individual patients and possibly human populations, and treatment and/or vaccination of porcine populations. This manuscript looks critically into currently existing control options and provides suggestions on which (combination of) tools would be most effective in the control of T. solium taeniasis/cysticercosis in sub-Saharan Africa. Field data and disease transmission simulations suggest that implementation of a single intervention control strategy will not lead to a satisfactory reduction of disease morbidity or transmission. A feasible strategy to combat T. solium taeniasis/cysticercosis would include a combination of approaches focussing on both human (health education and treatment) and animal host (management, treatment and vaccination), which can vary for different communities and different geographical locations. Selection of the specific strategy depends on cost-effectiveness analyses based on solid field data, currently unavailable, though urgently needed; as well as on health priorities and resources of the country. A One Health approach involving medical, veterinary, environmental and social sectors is essential for T. solium to be controlled and eventually eliminated. Finally the success of any intervention is largely dependent on the level of societal and political acceptance, commitment and engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Gabriël
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - P Dorny
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - K E Mwape
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - C Trevisan
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - U C Braae
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - P Magnussen
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - S Thys
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - C Bulaya
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - I K Phiri
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - C S Sikasunge
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - C Makungu
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - S Afonso
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Q Nicolau
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - M V Johansen
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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Schmidt V, Sikasunge CS, Odongo-Aginya E, Simukoko C, Mwanjali G, Alarakol S, Ovuga E, Matuja W, Kihamia C, Löscher T, Winkler AS, Bretzel G. Taenia solium metacestode preparation in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa: a source for diagnosis and research on cysticercosis. Afr Health Sci 2015; 15:58-67. [PMID: 25834531 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v15i1.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Taenia solium metacestodes/cysts obtained from pig carcasses constitute a primary source for diagnostic tools used for the detection of human cysticercosis. Data on T. solium cyst preparation in Africa is still scarce but required to establish independent reference laboratories. OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study is a) to present the likely yield of T. solium cyst material by the use of two different preparation methods in the field and b) to investigate its suitability for immunodiagnosis of human cysticercosis. METHODS In Zambia, Uganda and Tanzania 670 pigs were screened for T. solium infection. Cysts were prepared by 'shaking method' and 'washing method'. Generated crude antigens were applied in a standard western blot assay. RESULTS 46 out of 670 pigs (6.9%) were found positive for T. solium (Zambia: 12/367, 3.3%; Uganda: 11/217, 5.1%; Tanzania 23/86, 26.7%). Mean values of 77.7 ml whole cysts, 61.8 ml scolices/membranes and 10.9 ml cyst fluid were obtained per pig. Suitability of collected material for the use as crude antigen and molecular diagnostic techniques was demonstrated. CONCLUSION This study clearly shows that T. solium cyst preparation in African settings by simple field methods constitutes an effective way to obtain high quality material as source for diagnostic tools and research purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Schmidt
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine (DITM), University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - C S Sikasunge
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - E Odongo-Aginya
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
| | - C Simukoko
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - G Mwanjali
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - S Alarakol
- Department of Mental Health, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
| | - E Ovuga
- Department of Mental Health, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
| | - W Matuja
- Department of Neurology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - C Kihamia
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - T Löscher
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine (DITM), University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - A S Winkler
- Department of Neurology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - G Bretzel
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine (DITM), University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
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9
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Bulaya C, Mwape KE, Michelo C, Sikasunge CS, Makungu C, Gabriel S, Dorny P, Phiri IK. Preliminary evaluation of Community-Led Total Sanitation for the control of Taenia solium cysticercosis in Katete District of Zambia. Vet Parasitol 2015; 207:241-8. [PMID: 25591408 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Revised: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Taenia solium taeniasis/cysticercosis is a zoonotic disease endemic in sub-Saharan Africa. It is associated with poor sanitary practices, free-range pig husbandry and lack of disease awareness in endemic communities. A comparative research was conducted with pre and post-intervention assessments in nine villages to evaluate Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) as an intervention measure for the control of porcine cysticercosis in Katete District in the Eastern Province of Zambia. Blood samples were collected from pigs for circulating antigen detection and a questionnaire focused on the household was administered to a total of 153 respondents whose pigs were examined (64 pre-intervention, 89 post-intervention), in order to obtain information on general demographic characteristics, pig husbandry practices, sanitation practices and associated knowledge and awareness of T. solium infections. The first sampling was conducted prior to the implementation of the CLTS and second sampling eight months after triggering of CLTS in the selected villages. A total of 379 pig serum samples were examined using the B158/B60 Ag-ELISA to detect T. solium cysticercosis, 104 pre-intervention and 275 post-intervention, of which 14 (13.5%) and 45 (16.4%) were positive, respectively. Wald test p-values were computed to assess significant differences in the variables of interest mentioned above for the pre and post CLTS. The research revealed that CLTS as a control measure did not significantly improve T. solium infections in pigs. The research also revealed that the sanitation practices and awareness of cysticercosis did not change. It is recommended that a longer term evaluation be undertaken when the villages have been declared open defaecation free. In addition, the research recommends that health education, mass drug treatment and pig vaccination be incorporated, as an essential component of prevention and control programmes for T. solium infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Bulaya
- University of Zambia, School of Medicine, Department of Public Health, P.O. Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia.
| | - Kabemba E Mwape
- University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Studies, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Charles Michelo
- University of Zambia, School of Medicine, Department of Public Health, P.O. Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Chummy S Sikasunge
- University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Paraclinical Studies, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Chitwambi Makungu
- University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Studies, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Sarah Gabriel
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nationalestraat 155, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Pierre Dorny
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nationalestraat 155, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Isaac K Phiri
- University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Studies, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
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10
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Mkupasi EM, Ngowi HA, Sikasunge CS, Leifsson PS, Johansen MV. Distribution and histopathological changes induced by cysts of Taenia solium in the brain of pigs from Tanzania. J Helminthol 2014:1-6. [PMID: 24905052 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x1400042x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis (NCC) caused by Taenia solium cysts is a frequent but neglected parasitic disease of the central nervous system (CNS) worldwide. The aim of this study was to describe anatomical locations of cysts in the CNS and the corresponding inflammation. A total of 17 naturally infected pigs were used to evaluate the distribution of cysts and, of these, seven were used to evaluate the corresponding inflammation further, through histopathology. Clinical signs in the pigs included dullness, sluggishness, somnolence, apathy and loss of consciousness. Cysts were distributed in all cerebral lobes, i.e. 39.7% in the frontal lobe, 20.3% in the parietal lobe, 20.0% in the occipital lobe and 19.7% in the temporal lobe, and only 0.4% in the cerebellum. No cysts were found in the spinal cord. Cysts were localized as follows: 47.9% in the dorsal subarachnoid, 46.9% in the parenchyma, 4.4% in the subarachnoid base and 0.9% in the ventricles. The results of the histopathology revealed lesions in an early inflammatory stage, i.e. stage I, in all anatomical locations except for two, which showed more of an inflammatory reaction, stage III, in one pig. It was concluded that clinical signs in pigs were neither pathognomonic nor consistent. These signs, therefore, cannot be used as a reliable indicator of porcine NCC. Furthermore, T. solium cysts were found to be in abundance in all cerebral lobes, and only a few were found in the cerebellum. Regarding the inflammatory response, no significant differences were found in the location and total number of cysts. Thus, further studies are needed to explain the determinants of cyst distribution in the CNS and assess in detail clinical signs associated with porcine NCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Mkupasi
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen,Thorvaldsensvej 57,1871Frederiksberg C,Denmark
| | - H A Ngowi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health,Sokoine University of Agriculture,PO Box 3021,Morogoro,Tanzania
| | - C S Sikasunge
- Department of Para-clinical Studies,School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia,PO Box 32379,Lusaka,Zambia
| | - P S Leifsson
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen,Thorvaldsensvej 57,1871Frederiksberg C,Denmark
| | - M V Johansen
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen,Thorvaldsensvej 57,1871Frederiksberg C,Denmark
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11
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Komba EV, Kimbi EC, Ngowi HA, Kimera SI, Mlangwa JE, Lekule FP, Sikasunge CS, Willingham AL, Johansen MV, Thamsborg SM. Prevalence of porcine cysticercosis and associated risk factors in smallholder pig production systems in Mbeya region, southern highlands of Tanzania. Vet Parasitol 2013; 198:284-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2013] [Revised: 09/07/2013] [Accepted: 09/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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12
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Sikasunge CS, Phiri IK, Willingham AL, Johansen MV. Dynamics and longevity of maternally-acquired antibodies to Taenia solium in piglets born to naturally infected sows. Vet J 2010; 184:318-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2008] [Revised: 03/18/2009] [Accepted: 03/19/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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13
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Sikasunge CS, Johansen MV, Phiri IK, Willingham AL, Leifsson PS. The immune response in Taenia solium neurocysticercosis in pigs is associated with astrogliosis, axonal degeneration and altered blood-brain barrier permeability. Vet Parasitol 2008; 160:242-50. [PMID: 19117683 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2008] [Revised: 10/31/2008] [Accepted: 11/10/2008] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the immuno-pathological changes and the extent of neuronal damage caused by either viable or dead Taenia solium cysticerci during porcine neurocysticercosis. Thirty pig brains with cerebral cysticercosis and 5 brains from T. solium free pigs were used in this study. Results revealed extensive astrogliosis, neuronal and mostly axonal damage in both early (grade I) and late (grades III and V) lesions as evidenced by an increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neurofilament protein (NFP). In many late lesions, astrocyte end-feet formed glial scars that surrounded the dead parasite. Rapid angiogenesis resulted in blood vessels lacking astrocyte end-feet suggesting loss of blood-brain barrier (BBB) hence allowing an influx of peripheral blood immune cells such as eosinophils, macrophages, CD3+ T cells, B lymphocytes and plasma cells into lesions. This study showed that porcine NCC was associated with severe nervous tissue damage, the host response of which is a collaborative effort between the local and peripheral immune responses comparable to that observed in human NCC. Results further implied that porcine NCC could be a useful model for understanding the course of NCC in human as well as provide useful information for therapeutic and/or immune strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Sikasunge
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
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14
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Sikasunge CS, Johansen MV, Willingham AL, Leifsson PS, Phiri IK. Taenia solium porcine cysticercosis: viability of cysticerci and persistency of antibodies and cysticercal antigens after treatment with oxfendazole. Vet Parasitol 2008; 158:57-66. [PMID: 18834668 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2008] [Revised: 08/11/2008] [Accepted: 08/18/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of treating Taenia solium infected pigs with oxfendazole (OFZ) on viability and clearance of cysticerci and the corresponding persistence of specific antibody isotypes (IgG(total), IgG1, IgG2 and IgA) and circulating cysticercal antigen (CCA). Antibody isotypes and CCA responses were measured by antibody-ELISA (Ab-ELISA) and antigen ELISA (Ag-ELISA), respectively. Correlations were made between antibodies, CCA and the total number of cysticerci enumerated at necropsy. Forty pigs with cysticercosis were randomly allocated into two groups: Treatment group (n=20) was treated with OFZ at 30 mg/kg orally while the treatment control group (n=20) was not treated. Five uninfected pigs served as negative controls. Pigs were killed at 1, 4, 8 and 26 weeks post-treatment (wkpt). Overall, the mean total cyst count in treated pigs was 2904+/-5397 (mean+/-S.D.) while in the controls it was 6235+/-6705. Mean cyst viability was 5+/-11% (mean+/-S.D.) and 97+/-4% in treated and control pigs, respectively. Results showed that OFZ killed muscular cysticerci over a period of 4 weeks but failed to kill cerebral cysticerci. Antibodies, CCA responses and clearance of dead cysts from the meat, depended on the cyst intensity of individual pigs at time of treatment since both antibody and CCA correlated with intensity of cysticerci at necropsy (r=0.441, P=0.005; r=0.654, P<0.001), respectively. IgG1 responses were the best indicator of treatment efficacy because they were predominant in both infected treated and control pigs and disappeared early after treatment. Both Ab/Ag-ELISA failed to detect cysts in the brain. Though dead cysticerci took some time (26 wkpt) to clear from the meat, treatment of porcine cysticercosis with OFZ should, in combination with other intervention measures be considered as an important, cost-effective measure in the control of taeniosis/cysticercosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Sikasunge
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
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15
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Sikasunge CS, Phiri IK, Phiri AM, Siziya S, Dorny P, Willingham AL. Prevalence of Taenia solium porcine cysticercosis in the Eastern, Southern and Western provinces of Zambia. Vet J 2008; 176:240-4. [PMID: 17468023 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2006] [Revised: 01/14/2007] [Accepted: 02/01/2007] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Tongue examination and detection of circulating antigen (Ag-ELISA) were used to establish the prevalence of Taenia solium porcine cysticercosis in free-range pigs in selected districts of Eastern, Southern and Western provinces of Zambia, and to determine if prevalence of porcine cysticercosis was associated with age, breed and sex. Households with pigs were identified using the snowballing technique. A total of 1691 pigs were examined out of which 183 (10.8%) were positive on tongue examination. Ag-ELISA gave a sero-prevalence of 23.3%. When considering the factors in a logistic regression analysis, only breed type was significantly associated with porcine cysticercosis (OR=0.72; 95%CI=0.63-0.81). The crossbred pigs were 72% more likely to have had cysticercosis than the Nsenga (dwarf local) breed as determined by Ag-ELISA. The result that crossbred pigs had a higher prevalence of T. solium cysticercosis suggests that pig breeds may display different susceptibility to cysticercosis. The limited use of latrines in these areas implies that people use the nearby bush for defecation, resulting in pigs having access to human faeces. Therefore, investigation of taeniosis and cysticercosis in humans is warranted to better comprehend the local epidemiology and transmission risks. This should then be followed by extension programs to communities so that the control plans that could be instituted are more sustainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chummy S Sikasunge
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia.
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16
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Sikasunge CS, Phiri IK, Phiri AM, Dorny P, Siziya S, Willingham AL. Risk factors associated with porcine cysticercosis in selected districts of Eastern and Southern provinces of Zambia. Vet Parasitol 2007; 143:59-66. [PMID: 16956727 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2006.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2005] [Revised: 05/04/2006] [Accepted: 07/20/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
To determine the risk factors associated with Taenia solium transmission in humans and pigs in the rural areas of Eastern and Southern provinces of Zambia, a questionnaire was administered in 788 households from 155 villages. Pigs were examined from 800 households. Tongue examination and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Ag-ELISA) for the detection of circulating antigens of T. solium cysticerci were used to measure infection in pigs. A snowballing technique was utilised to select households with pigs. Prevalence of households with pigs infected with T. solium on tongue examination by district ranged from 12.7% to 32.1% with Ag-ELISA having a range of 30.0-51.7%. Of the total number of households visited, 18.8% and 37.6% had at least one pig positive for porcine cysticercosis on tongue examination and Ag-ELISA, respectively. Risk factors associated with T. solium infection were lack of pork inspection at slaughter (96.7%), consumption of pork with cysts (20.1%), selling of pork infected with T. solium cysticerci (18.3%), free-range husbandry system (83.2%) and absence of latrines (58.0). Free-range husbandry system (OR=1.68; 95% CI=1.36-2.07) was a significant risk factor for porcine cysticercosis in the surveyed areas. The result that pigs were mostly kept on free-range and semi-intensive husbandry systems may have permitted them to have access to eating human faeces that could be contaminated with tapeworm eggs. This study has shown that T. solium infection poses a high public health risk in the study areas and urban areas as well. We recommend that a human survey be conducted to verify the human exposure to taeniasis and/or cysticercosis in Zambia.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Sikasunge
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
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17
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Phiri AM, Phiri IK, Sikasunge CS, Chembensofu M, Monrad J. Comparative fluke burden and pathology in condemned and non-condemned cattle livers from selected abattoirs in Zambia. Onderstepoort J Vet Res 2006; 73:275-81. [PMID: 17283728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
After dissecting 70 condemned and 32 non-condemned cattle livers collected from Lusaka, Chisamba, Mongu and Senanga abattoirs and Turnpike slaughter slab, significantly higher numbers of liver flukes (Fasciola gigantica) (P < 0.001) were found in the condemned livers (mean +/- SD = 100.6 +/- 16.7) than in the non-condemned livers (mean +/- SD = 0.7 +/- 0.5). Liver flukes found in 9.4% of the non-condemned livers suggest that abattoir records of liver inspection may underestimate F. gigantica infections. Average faecal fluke egg counts from animals with condemned livers (5 eggs per gram [EPG]) were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than in animals with non-condemned livers (0.8 EPG). No correlation was found between egg counts and number of flukes. Fibrosis and calcification were common in condemned livers, being severest in the vicinity of the bile ducts. Only two (6.3%) of the non-condemned livers showed pathological changes on the liver edges. The severe liver damage and high worm burden may explain low production levels experienced in cattle in Zambia maintained under traditional systems of management where worm control and good management programmes are rarely practiced.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Phiri
- The University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, Clinical Studies Department, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia.
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18
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Phiri AM, Phiri IK, Sikasunge CS, Monrad J. Prevalence of fasciolosis in Zambian cattle observed at selected abattoirs with emphasis on age, sex and origin. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 52:414-6. [PMID: 16283922 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0450.2005.00872.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and some factors influencing occurrence of fasciolosis in cattle, carried out at selected major abattoirs in Zambia. Of 841 cattle livers inspected and 677 faecal samples analysed, prevalence rates of 53.9% and 48.9%, respectively, were found. Cumulative prevalence of 60.9% (n = 677) was recorded. According to age, no significant difference of infection was found. Female cattle on liver inspection (59.3%) and coprological examination (65.2%) had significantly higher (P < 0.001) rates than males (44.5% and 36.3% respectively). Origin of cattle had a significant influence (P < 0.001) on the prevalence rate. According to fluke egg count classification, 68.5% of cattle had light infection, 20.9% moderate, 4.4% heavy and 6.2% severe. These results indicate that Fasciola gigantica infection is an important condition that leads to high liver condemnations and/or trimmings in cattle tendered for slaughter.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Phiri
- Clinical Studies Department, School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, P.O Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
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19
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Phiri AM, Phiri IK, Siziya S, Sikasunge CS, Chembensofu M, Monrad J. Seasonal pattern of bovine fasciolosis in the Kafue and Zambezi catchment areas of Zambia. Vet Parasitol 2005; 134:87-92. [PMID: 16043299 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2005.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2004] [Revised: 05/19/2005] [Accepted: 06/08/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In order to establish seasonality of bovine fasciolosis in the Southern province of Zambia, 288 cattle were examined at slaughter at Turnpike slaughter slab for 1 year. The examination involved liver inspection and coprological examination. Liver condemnation rates were relatively high at the beginning of both the cold dry season and the rainy season (May/June and December, respectively). All cattle, regardless of age, had higher fluke abundances in the post-rainy season (39.1% young and 42.1% adult) while the lowest rates were in the hot dry season (13.3% young and 14.3% adult). On coprological examination, the highest abundance was in the post-rainy season (45.0%) and the lowest in the cold dry season (24.9%). From November (end of dry season) to February/March (end of rains), more fluke eggs were found than in any other period. The distribution of fluke eggs was significantly different (p<0.001) among the four seasons. Identified associations were: egg counts were highest in post-rainy (mean abundance=146) and lowest in cold dry season (mean abundance=118) at 95% confidence (CI 0.64-1.25). Differences in abundance observed according to origin, sex and age of cattle were not significant on both methods. Based on these results, it may be concluded that Fasciola gigantica was present throughout the year in cattle in Zambia but the abundance was highest in the post-rainy season and lowest in the cold dry season.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Phiri
- University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Studies, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
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