Disease burden and economic losses associated with Taenia solium cysticercosis in pigs and humans in Nigeria

Abstract

Taenia solium is a zoonotic parasite endemic in many low-income countries, including Nigeria, contributing to both human and animal health burdens. This study quantifies the disease burden and economic costs of T. solium cysticercosis in Nigeria through a meta-analysis and economic modelling approach. Data synthesis was performed using both fixed and random-effects meta-analysis, with reporting structured according to PRISMA guidelines. Additionally, economic models were applied to estimate financial losses, years of life lost (YLL), years lived with disability (YLD), and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs). Porcine cysticercosis prevalence was 6.0 % (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.9–14.1) from 10,933 slaughtered pigs, while human seroprevalence was 3.25 % (95 % CI: 2.5–4.2). In pigs, cystercerci were mostly found in shoulders, tongues, heart and masseter muscles. Economic losses from porcine cysticercosis were estimated at US$28.6 million, which is 3.14 % of the total pig industry. T. solium cysticercosis true positives in humans was estimated at 975,000 cases (0.39 %). An estimated 650,000 (0.26 %) individuals were estimated to be symptomatic to neurocysticercosis (NCC), of whom 455,000 (0.18 %) may present with CT scan-detectable lesions. Hospital costs for NCC management were projected at US$1.43 billion, with a total economic burden of US$1.89 billion. Deterministic cost per NCC-epilepsy case was US$2906, while probabilistic modelling yielded a more realistic mean estimate of US$1808 (95 % UI: 897–2906). The total disease burden in humans was 235,194.375 (95 % uncertainty interval [UI]: 155,827.0–350,815.8) DALYs, comprising 218,497.5 (95 % UI: 141,634.7–331,614.4) YLD (92.9 %) and 16,696.875 (95 % UI: 14,192.3–19,201.4) YLL (7.1 %). DALYs per 1000 population were 0.9408 (95 % UI: 0.6233–1.4033), with the 30–39 age group bearing the highest burden. T. solium cysticercosis remains a substantial but under recognised public health and economic threat in Nigeria, warranting urgent integrated control strategies across human and veterinary sectors.