Genetic heterogeneity in Taenia solium cysticerci among naturally infected pigs revealed by microsatellite markers and associated epidemiological risk factors.

BackgroundThe tapeworm, Taenia solium, also called as pork tapeworm is acquired by human on consumption of raw or undercooked pork infested with intermediate larval stage. The parasite is known to establish an obligatory cyclozoonoses with human serving as the only definitive host for the organism. India is endemic for the presence of T. solium infection particularly for cysticercosis both in human and pig population. Material methodA total of 389 pigs were screened from Ludhiana, Amritsar, Bathinda, Jalandhar, Patiala and in union territory, Chandigarh were screened for T. solium. The collected samples were analyzed in relation to different epidemiological variables - Location, age, sex, breed, and management system and to conduct a PCR targeting valine t-RNA and NADH subunit-2. Against molecular confirmed T. solium, genetic polymorphism was asses for seven microsatellite satellite markers. FindingsA prevalence rate 5.14% on post mortem examination as well as molecular confirmation of suspected samples (PCR-targeting NADH subunit-2 gene). Highest prevalence rate was observed in Patiala (15%) with lowest in Bathinda (0.00%), due to low participation of the pig farmers of that region. We also observed genetic variability for seven microsatellite markers with TSSR_09 (26/200) and TSSR_01 (14/200) were the 2 microsatellites showing highest variability. ConclusionT. solium cysticercosis is a neglected tropical disease with significant public health hazard. Measures should be taken to prevent transmission of pathogen as well as sale of infected pork.