Pork sold in Nairobi, neighbouring towns has harmful parasite
About one million people living in and around Nairobi are at risk of contracting a parasite from unprocessed pork slaughtered in Kiambu County.
This is according to a study conducted by scientists from the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in collaboration with the University of Nairobi’s Department of Public Health Pharmacology and Toxicology and the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences.
The results, published in the journal MDPI, show that for every 100 pigs sampled by the researchers, about 34 of them had the harmful parasite called Toxoplasma gondii.
Sometimes written as T. gondii, the study shows that this parasite is a public health risk with likely dire consequences, especially for people with weakened immune systems and pregnant mothers.
“This study has shown that slaughtered pigs have evidence of infection with T. gondii and that small farm size and increased live weight are important risk factors,” the study says.
The researchers explain that since pigs are intermediate hosts for the parasite, if Nairobi residents eat either raw or undercooked pork, they are likely to be infected.
However, the study shows that when people with stronger immune systems are infected with the parasite, they are less likely to be severely affected by the infections.
“However, people with weakened immune systems will have serious health complications. These individuals include people with HIV and AIDS, cancer patients, diabetics, pregnant women, the elderly and the very young,” the study explains.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that most people may not be aware of an infection because its impact on humans generally comes without symptoms.
“Some people who have toxoplasmosis may feel like they have the “flu” with swollen lymph glands or muscle aches and pains that can last for a month or more,” explains the CDC.
Some of the possible health complications that the parasite results in; include encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), ocular (eye) abnormalities, mental disorders and secondary respiratory infections.
The study shows that the infection of the parasite shows different ways of getting into the pig and consequently into humans who consume raw or undercooked pork.
The pig’s environment, water and feed are susceptible candidates for infection.
“Exposure to the parasite is likely to increase with the length of time animals are reared in the farm environment, where they are likely to come into contact with infective oocysts,” they explain.
“The decreasing prevalence in farms with more than 100 animals may suggest that biosecurity and hygiene practices can be improved in these farms, but there is a need for further research on the exposure of pigs to T. gondii at the farm level in Kenya to gain insights into the contextual risk factors and design appropriate mitigation strategies,” the study shows.
The study explains that farms that have larger herd sizes but ensure proper hygiene, rodent control systems, and adequate supply of clean water with uncontaminated feed have better outcomes.
“Further investigation of on-farm practices that predispose pigs to T. gondii infection, such as the presence of cats and appropriate biosecurity practices, is suggested in order to provide context-appropriate recommendations to farmers,” they explain.
The study further details that despite the risk of infection in Nairobi, the demand for pork in the country is on the rise.
They estimate that Kenyans consume about 400 tons of pork per year or about 0.4 kilograms per person.
“The increasing demand for pork suggests that despite overtime, there may be an increased risk of exposure to T. gondii through pork consumption if mitigation measures are not put in place,” the study said.
“Mitigation measures are needed in this value chain, including improved on-farm biosecurity and public health education for consumers, especially those in high-risk categories,” they added.
Another study, published in the journal Cell, shows that about 3 in 10 people in the world are affected by this parasite.
They explain that in pregnant mothers, the impact of the parasite should a mother become infected is determined by the age of the unborn baby.
“While the likelihood of mother-to-child transmission is highest in the third trimester, the severity of congenital disease is inversely related to gestational age. In the first trimester, infections generally result in the most severe clinical symptoms in newborns, including spontaneous abortion or stillbirth,” the Cell study explains.
The study also explains that once someone is infected, there is a likelihood that there will be a long-term effect, especially behavioral, on such people.
The study shows that they are susceptible to conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, bipolar disorder, epilepsy and schizophrenia
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.