Cysticercosis in experimentally and naturally infected pigs: parasitological and immunological diagnosis

Abstract

<jats:p>Our objective was to evaluate the diagnosis of swine cysticercosis by examining "ante mortem" (inspection of the tongue), "post mortem" (inspection and detailed necropsy) and ELISA for research in serum of antibodies (Ab-ELISA) and antigens (Ag-ELISA). Seven (7) pigs were experimentally infected orally with eggs of Taenia solium and another 10 were naturally infected. In the pigs experimentally infected, inspection of the tongue was negative in all animals, in the routine inspection detailed necropsy and cysticercis were identified in all of them. In pigs with heavy natural infection, inspection of the tongue identified cysticerci in two (20%), while at inspection with necropsy the parasites were identified in large quantities in all animals. In ELISA for antibody search (Ab-ELISA) TS-14 recombinant protein was used, and in search for antigen (Ag-ELISA) a monoclonal antibody against this protein. In animals experimentally infected, blood was collected weekly for 140 days. The Ab-ELISA identified an increase in titers of antibody to cysticerci 21 days after infection, and at the end of the experimental period six animals (86%) were positive to the test. The search for circulating antigens (Ag-ELISA) was positive in two pigs 28 to 91 days after infection. All naturally infected pigs were positive for Ag-ELISA and Ab-ELISA. The search for antibodies and antigens by ELISA in serum from 30 pigs of a local farm and without history of cysticercosis was negative. Thus, the use of TS-14 antigen in ELISA test (Ab-ELISA) can be useful for the diagnosis of cysticercosis in pigs with low infection.</jats:p>

Assessment of sanitary conditions of unregistered pig slaughter slabs and post mortem examination of pigs for Taenia solium metacestodes in Kaduna metropolis, Nigeria

“…These varying prevalence rates are attributed to the diagnostic techniques used. The tongue examination technique in live pigs is said to have a lower sensitivity than the post-mortem meat inspection [ 11 ], although this is said to be 100% specific [ 25 ]. This is because several predilection sites are examined at post mortem and incisions are made where necessary, in contrast to only in the tongue in lingual palpation [ 11 ].…”

Current Status of Prevalence, Possible Control and Risk Factors Associated with Porcine Cysticercosis from Endemic Countries in Africa

“…Because the prevalence of pigs with Tongue examination/palpation do relate to the prevalence of heavy infection. The data on this method were from [14] [26] [38] [39].…”

Pork as a source of human parasitic infection

“…Diagnosis in pigs includes tongue palpation and serology, but as most pigs in endemic areas have been shown to carry only light infections these methods are not sensitive enough. Routine meat/carcass inspection is of low sensitivity too, as only 11–18% of cysticerci were located in organs indicated for routine meat inspection (heart, tongue and masseter muscle).…”