Seroprevalence of antibodies (IgG) to Taenia solium among pig rearers and associated risk factors in Jos metropolis, Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION In Nigeria, Taenia solium cysticercosis is a problem in rural areas where most pigs are kept and in urban areas where infected pork can be consumed. METHODOLOGY We performed enzyme linked immunosorbent assays on serum samples collected from pig rearers in Jos, Nigeria, to determine the prevalence of IgG antibodies. RESULTS Of 125 subjects tested, 12 (9.6%) were positive for T. solium. Seroprevalence did not differ significantly (P>0.05) according to education, age, occupation, study location, gender or whether the subjects consumed pork. However, a statistical difference (P<0.05) in seroprevalence was observed according to type and availability of toilet used, personal hygiene after using the toilet, and type of pig management practiced. Females were about two times more likely to be seroprevalent than males (OR=1.7; 95% CI= 0.43-6.67; P=0.4) and subjects who consumed pork were four times more likely to have anti T. solium antibodies than those who did not eat pork (OR=4.2; 95%CI=0.52-33.57; P=0.2). Those who defecated in the bush were 8.3 times more likely to suffer from T. solium infection than those who used water system toilets (OR=8.3; 95%CI=1.56-43.7; P=0.01). Subjects who did not wash their hands after defecating were 6 times more likely to contract T. solium compared to those who washed their hands with water (OR=5.5; 95% CI=1.39-21.89; P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS Our results show that using a toilet and practicing good personal hygiene can reduce cases of T. solium infection in a community.