New study confirms endemic pig tapeworm risk in northern Uganda

In a recent study conducted in northern Uganda, researchers have confirmed that the region is a hyperendemic area for the pork tapeworm, or Taenia solium.

The study found a prevalence of 17.4% for porcine cysticercosis, an infection in pigs caused by the tapeworm.

Additionally, pigs that were free roaming, provided with borehole water or from households that lacked a toilet had a higher chance of infection with the pork tapeworm.

The cross-sectional study, published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases (Aug 2025), was conducted in four districts in northern Uganda to validate the geospatial risk maps which identified hyperendemic areas within the region and to determine the prevalence and risk factors of porcine cysticercosis.

The co-authors of the study are affiliated to the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Makerere University, University of Edinburgh, University of Prince Edward Island, and Agago, Kitgum, Lamwo and Pader district local government veterinary offices.

Citation

Ngwili, N., Ahimbisibwe, S., Korir, M., Bole, S., Kankya, C., Kinyera, A., Avudraga, S.V., Okeny, R.S., Kenny, R.O., Ouma, E., Dohoo, I. and Thomas, L.F. 2025. Confirmation of a hyperendemic focus of porcine cysticercosis in Northern Uganda: Prevalence and risk factor analysis. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases 19(8): e0013313.

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Photo: A pig in a concrete stable in Mukono District, Uganda (photo credit: ILRI/Elisabeth Kilian).

Curated by Tezira Lore, Communication Officer, ILRI