Neurocysticercosis (NCC) caused by Taenia solium is a serious neurological disease. In humans neurological symptoms have been thoroughly documented however there is limited information on clinical signs in pigs with NCC. On the contrary, among the scientific community it is believed that pigs with NCC are asymptomatic.
The aim of our study was to describe clinical manifestations associated with NCC in pigs and correlate the manifestations to number and distribution of cysts in brains of these naturally infected pigs in Tanzania. Sixteen infected and 15 non-infected pigs were videotaped for 14 days using close circuit television cameras. At the end of the recording period, the pigs were slaughtered and the brains were dissected, cysts counted and their location noted.
During recording period, two infected pigs were observed having seizures. Seizures occurred on random days and their durations varied largely. Some of the observed autonomic signs were chewing motions with foamy salivation and ear stiffening. Motor signs included tonic muscle contractions followed by a sudden diminution in all muscle tone leading to collapse. Stereotypic walk in circles was observed in several occasions. At dissection, both pigs had a high number of brain cysts (247 and 241 cysts). These two pigs were also older compared to the others.
Results of this study have shown that pigs with NCC can develop clinical signs and suffer from seizures like humans with symptomatic NCC. Results of this study could potentially open up a new experimental pathway to explore the aetiology of neurological symptoms in humans.