Prevalence of Porcine Cysticercosis in India: A Meta-Analysis
Abstract Porcine cysticercosis (PCC) caused due to Taenia solium a tapeworm; is one of the important neglected tropical diseases with a significant zoonotic importance. In view of the underdeveloped swine husbandry practices coupled with negligence of people towards hygienic food habits, a comprehensive estimate on the presence of porcine cysticercosis in India will be helpful for planning control measure. We performed a systematic literature review regarding data about PCC epidemiology in India and meta-analyses for its prevalence in different zones of country and the methods employed for detection and based on this discussed possible control strategies. A total 27 studies spanned over period from 2000 to 2019 from different parts of India were included for meta-analysis which were obtained through a systematic search from online free databases. The overall prevalence using random effects model was found 5.21% with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 96.52, p = 0.0001). However subgroup analysis revealed higher prevalence due to smaller sample size and also method of detection has also significant effect on the pooled data. Considering the zoonotic significance as well as economic losses to pork industry, control strategies need to be devised with regards to health monitoring, improvements in ante-mortem diagnostics, hygienic meat practices coupled with education to both the producers and consumers about this important disease through one health approach.