Social context influences <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> and <i>Trichinella</i> spp. infection in Alberta free-roaming wild pigs (<i>Sus scrofa</i>)

by Kiera Middel, Hailey Strydhorst, Hannah McKenzie, Chunu Mainali, Darcy R. Visscher

The increasing spread of wild pigs across Canada is concerning due to their potential role as reservoirs for zoonotic diseases, including trichinosis and toxoplasmosis. Trichinosis is caused by the parasitic nematode Trichinella spp. and can manifest clinically in humans. Likewise, the intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is a significant global foodborne and waterborne parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis. Despite wild pigs being recognized globally as reservoirs for T. gondii and Trichinella spp., the status of wild pigs in Alberta remains undetermined. Wild pig diaphragms were collected as part of provincial control efforts between 2018–2024 from four Alberta counties. Meat juice was analyzed for antibodies against Trichinella spp. and T. gondii using commercial ELISA kits. We found that 27/252 pigs were positive for antibodies against T. gondii and 11/293 positive for antibodies against Trichinella spp., corresponding with the respective true prevalence of 15.3% (95% CrI: 9.6–22.7%) and 3.8% (95% CrI: 1.8–6.5%) based on Bayesian analysis using reported test sensitivity and specificity. We found a difference in true prevalence of antibodies against Trichinella spp. between counties, and the prevalence of antibodies against Trichinella spp. and T. gondii was significantly higher in solitary wild pigs, suggesting social context of the individual is an important determinant of infection risk. These findings suggest that Alberta wild pigs function as Trichinella spp. and T. gondii reservoirs, underscoring the need for a One Health approach for managing Alberta’s invasive wild pigs.

Spatial patterns and predictors of missing key contents of care during prenatal visits in Ethiopia: Spatial and multilevel analyses

by Aklilu Habte Hailegebireal, Habtamu Mellie Bizuayehu, Yordanos Sisay Asgedom, Jira Wakoya Feyisa

Background

Quality Antenatal Care (ANC) is considered if pregnant women have access to essential services that align with the best evidence-based practice. Although several studies have been conducted on ANC uptake in Ethiopia, they have focused on the timing and number of visits and the level of complete uptake of care contents according to the WHO recommendation remains scarce. Hence, this study aimed to assess the magnitude of missing care content during ANC visits, its spatial variations, and individual- and community-level determinants in Ethiopia.

Methods

The study was conducted using the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey and included a total weighted sample of 4,771 women who gave birth within five years before the survey. Spatial analysis was carried out using Arc-GIS version 10.7 and SaTScan version 9.6 statistical software. Spatial autocorrelation (Moran’s I) was checked to determine the non-randomness of the spatial variation in the missing contents of care. Multilevel multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed using STATA version 16. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with its corresponding 95% CI was used as a measure of association.

Results

The prevalence of missing full contents of ANC in Ethiopia was 88.2% (95% CI: 87.2, 89.0), with significant spatial variations observed across regions. Missing essential contents of care was higher among women who live in rural areas (aOR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.47, 2.71), not completed formal education (aOR = 1.94, 95% CI:1.24, 3.02), late initiation of ANC (aOR = 3.05, 95% CI:1.59, 6.54), attended only one ANC (aOR = 4.13, 95% CI: 1.95, 8.74), and not having a mobile phone (aOR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.95).

Conclusion

The level of missing care content during prenatal visits was high in Ethiopia, with significant spatial variation across regions. Health systems and policymakers should promote early initiation and encourage multiple visits to provide optimal care to pregnant women. In addition, it is vital to focus on enhancing education and healthcare infrastructure in rural parts of the country.