Taenia saginata cysticercosis in cattle with special reference to its prevalence, pathogenesis and economic implications in Fars Province of Iran.

The study was carried out during a 3-year period. Of 9501 cattle examined, 736 (7.7%) were infected with cysticerci of Taenia saginata. The endemic foci were identified and prevalence was significantly higher (P < 0.005) in animals from Noorabad Mammasani (10.7%), Kenareh (10.0%) and Shiraz area (8.5%) than elsewhere. The prevalence was significantly higher (P < 0.005) during spring and autumn seasons. There was no variation in the infection rate in animals of different age groups, suggesting that immunity was acquired to super-infection. The most common sites were muscle of the shoulder (26.3%) and masseter (23.7%), tongue (24.9%) and heart (23.4%). Pharynx, oesophagus and diaphragm showed 0.9, 0.5 and 0.4% infection, respectively. The metacestode caused extensive damage resulting in infiltrative, degenerative changes, haemorrhages, necrosis and exudation mainly in the vicinity of cysts. The infection was the cause of condemnation of 34.6% of infected carcases. The rejected carcases and infected organs were valued at 100.1 million Rials over the 3-year period.

Metacestodes of sheep with special reference to their epidemiological status, pathogenesis and economic implications in Fars Province, Iran.

This study was undertaken over a period of 2 years. Of 7992 sheep examined, 2088 (26.12%), 2266 (28.36%), 15 (0.19%) and 738 (9.8%) were infected with Echinococcus granulosus, Taenia hydatigena, Taenia ovis and Taenia multiceps metacestodes, respectively. The prevalence was higher in animals belonging to migratory tribal people than in those owned by the permanent residents of Fars Province. Dogs in the former group also showed significantly higher levels of infection with E. granulosus (33.3%) and Taenia spp. (40.7%) than those in the latter group. The metacestodes caused tissue damage in different organs, resulting in condemnation of meat or viscera valued at 10.2 million rials. The migration of tribal people has a direct bearing on the transmission of these parasites and must be taken into account in control planning.