Abstract:
Porcine cysticercosis and associated human infections are endemic in Sub-Saharan Africa,
Latin America, and Asia. Poor agricultural practices, sanitary practices, and lack of knowledge
increase the burden of the diseases in susceptible populations. This study investigates
the seroprevalence of Taenia spp. in township pigs in Gauteng, South Africa and describes
knowledge and farming practices of pig farmers regarding T. solium infections. Blood samples
were collected from 126 pigs in three Gauteng township areas, and analyzed for active
Taenia spp. infection using the B158/B60 Ag-ELISA. Farmer questionnaire surveys were
conducted in four township areas to investigate the level of knowledge and practices associated
with porcine cysticercosis and neurocysticercosis. Logistic regression models were
used to assess the relationship between predictor variables and the outcome variable,
knowledge of porcine cysticercosis or knowledge of neurocysticercosis. Overall, 7% of the
pigs were seropositive for active Taenia spp. infection. 46% of farmers practiced a freeranging
system, while 25% practiced a semi-intensive system. Latrines were absent on all
farms; however, 95% of farmers indicated that they have access to latrines at home. Most
farmers had no knowledge of porcine cysticercosis (55%) or neurocysticercosis (79%), and
this was not associated with any of the factors investigated. The prevalence of active Taenia
spp. infection was reasonably low in this study, yet the knowledge level was also low, thus
calling for further educational and training programmes to prevent Taenia spp. transmission
in these communities.
