Bovine cysticercosis and human taeniosis in South-west Shoa zone of Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted in cattle slaughtered at Sebeta, Tulu Bolo and Weliso abattoirs in southwest shoa zone of Oromia region, Ethiopia to estimate the prevalence of bovine cystiercosis using routine meat inspection method, and questionnaire surveys were undertaken to assess the status of taeniosis and associated risk factors in human in these towns. Accordingly, out of 1216 carcasses examined, 4.6 % were found infected with Cysticercus bovis. Among the positive cases for C. bovis, 39.3 % were viable and 60.7% were non-viable cysts while it was more prevalent in the heart and tongue (39.3% and 30.4%, respectively) than in the diaphragm and liver. Out of 392 respondents, 55.1% had contracted T. saginata at least once in the past years. The prevalence was significantly higher in adults (> 20 years) than youngsters (< 20 years) (P<0.001), in male than females (P=0.046), in Christian than Muslim community (P=0.011), in butchers and abattoir workers than in other occupation (P<0.001), in illiterate than in literate and university graduates (P=0.001) and in raw meat consumers than in others (P<0.01. In conclusion, bovine cysticercosis caused by C. bovis and associated human taeniosis are important problems in the study areas. Improvement in meat inspection procedures and sanitary conditions in the study areas are needed.

Key words: Cysticercosis, Cattle, Human, Taeniosis, Ethiopia.