Age at infection as a key predictor of cyst burden in pigs experimentally infected with Taenia solium.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Taenia solium cysticercosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease with significant public health implications, particularly in endemic regions of low- and middle-income countries. In pigs, cyst burden varies widely, with most harboring fewer than 10 cysts and only a small fraction carrying high cyst loads. Age has been identified as a key factor influencing infection susceptibility. However, inconsistencies in previous studies have hindered clear characterization of infection patterns and immunity. In this study, we conducted controlled experiments involving the infection of pigs with T. solium eggs to evaluate the relationship between pig age and susceptibility to infection.

Methods

A total of 52 pigs from northern Peru, aged 4 to 22 weeks, were experimentally infected

SUBMITTER: Gonzales-Gustavson E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12462264 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature