Influence of host breed, sex and age on the prevalence and intensity of cysticercus tenuicollis in sheep

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of host breed, sex and age on the prevalence and intensity of Cysticercus tenuicollis infections in sheep in Bursa province, Turkey. A total of 594 sheep were slaughtered and examined for the presence of C. tenuicollis. C. tenuicollis cysts were found in 143 sheep and an overall infection rate was 24.1%. The predominant predilection site of cysticerci in infected sheep was significantly (p < 0.01) the omentum (76.9%). No difference in the prevalence of C. tenuicollis could be found between kivircik (25.2%) and merino breeds (22.1 %). Although, numerically higher prevalence was observed in male animals (26%) compared to females (23.9%), there was no significant difference between the sex groups. Prevalence of infection on the different age groups was insignificant. A significantly (p < 0.05) higher mean intensity rate of C. tenuicollis was detected in kivircik breed sheep (3.3±0.6) compared with merino breed sheep (1.8±0.2). The mean intensity rate between male and female animals showed significant difference (p < 0.01) with intensity rate of 5.5±2.2 and 2.2±0.2, respectively. Although, the number of C. tenuicollis cyst was higher in older animals compared to younger ones, no significant differences in mean intensity of infections were observed in the studied age categories. These results suggest that the intensity of C. tenuicollis infections in sheep may be influenced by host breed and sex. This study also indicated that sheep was acquired immunity to reinfection by Taenia hydatigena eggs.