A cross-sectional study of Taenia solium in a multiple taeniid-endemic region reveals competition may be protective.

Journal article

We conducted cross-sectional surveys for taeniasis and cysticercosis in humans, pigs, and dogs in four northern provinces of Laos. Human cysticercosis and taeniasis prevalence was 2.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.4-3.0%) and 8.4% (95% CI = 6.9-9.9%), respectively. Eating uncooked beef, being male, province of residence, age, and ethnicity were significant risk factors for taeniasis and only province of residence was a significant risk factor for cystiercosis. Thirty-five human tapeworms were recovered during the survey and 33 (94.3%) and 2 (5.7%) were identified as Taenia saginata and T. solium, respectively. Maximum-likelihood adjusted prevalence of T. solium and T. hydatigena in pigs was 4.2% (95% CI = 0.5-7.9%) and 55.9% (95% CI = 47.5-64.3%), respectively, and T. hydatigena taeniasis in dogs was 4.8% (95% CI = 0.0-11.3%). Taenia hydatigena and T. saginata were the most prevalent taeniids in the respective pig and human populations and together may suppress T. solium transmission.

Authors: Conlan, J; Vongxay, K; Khamlome, B; Dorny, P; Sripa, B

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene
• Volume: 87
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 281-291
• Publication date: 2012-08-01
• DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2012.11-0106
• EISSN: 1476-1645
• ISSN: 0002-9637
• Language: English
• Keywords: Endemic Diseases; Questionnaires; Taenia solium; Female; Zoonoses; Feces; Adult; Middle Aged; Animals; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Aged, 80 and over; Swine; Child; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Young Adult; Antigens, Helminth; Aged; Humans; Dogs; Logistic Models; Cross-Sectional Studies; Male; Rural Population; Laos; Prevalence; Cysticercosis; DNA, Helminth; Adolescent