Journal of Bacteriology & Parasitology

Abstract

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Taeniasis in the Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo District of Northern Ghana

Langbong Bimi, Amos Kankponang Laar and Francis Anto

Although Taenia solium infestation and cysticercosis have been documented as the main causes of acquired epilepsy and their recognition as important public health hazards has risen over the past 10 years, there is lack of information on the disease burden due to Tape worm infestation and its associated risk factors in the rural communities of northern Ghana. This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of Taeniasis and document its associated risk factors. The study describes the results of a cross-sectional survey involving 494 participants, selected by a village- based random sampling method from a population of 99,729 in 4 villages. Stool samples from selected people were examined by the Kato-Katz method for worm eggs/ova. Eggs were detected in 65 people (13.15%) of the Kato smears. Four factors were observed to be associated with Taeniasis infestation on multivariate analysis. A history of a family member ever contracting the disease and pork consumption were the main implicated factors for infestation (P-value = 0.003 & 0.001 respectively). Among the pork consumers, those who opted for measly pork and people who took pork light soups prepared in the markets were observed to have higher probabilities of getting infected. Also, Taenia cysts were observed in 18.8% (22/117) of pigs slaughtered for consumption in the area. These carcasses were either consumed or smoked and transported to towns in the southern sector for sale. Whilst pig rearing was mostly done by the women in the area to supplement household incomes, the husbandry practices (food and feeding habits) were observed to be unsatisfactory. Health education on the need for sanitary and hygienic practices and mass anthelminthic drug administration in the area are recommended.