Prevalence and Detection of Zoonotic Cestodes in Contaminated Meat Sold in Local Markets in India and Its Health Impact: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Zoonotic cestodes, including Taenia and Echinococcus species, represent a significant but often neglected public health burden in India, primarily transmitted through meat consumed from local markets. The resulting diseases, neurocysticercosis (NCC) and cystic echinococcosis (hydatidosis), impose severe health and economic consequences. This comprehensive review aims to synthesize the current evidence on the prevalence of zoonotic cestode larvae in meat sold in Indian markets, critically evaluate the efficacy of detection methods, and delineate the associated public health and economic impact. A review of relevant research articles was conducted and data focusing on prevalence studies in livestock meat, diagnostic evaluations (conventional and modern), and assessments of the health and economic impact specific to the Indian context was assessed. The review identifies significant geographical hotspots for T. solium and Echinococcus infections, linked to specific animal husbandry and sanitation practices. A major finding is the critical inadequacy of conventional post-mortem meat inspection, which has low sensitivity and allows contaminated meat to enter the food chain. In contrast, modern serological (ELISA) and molecular (PCR, LAMP) diagnostics demonstrate high accuracy but face significant implementation gaps in local abattoirs due to cost and infrastructure constraints. The public health burden is severe, with NCC being a leading cause of adult-onset epilepsy and hydatidosis imposing a substantial surgical load and economic losses from carcass condemnation and healthcare costs. The presence of zoonotic cestodes within the Indian meat supply chain constitutes a significant, albeit insufficiently addressed, public health concern. An integrated strategy that consolidates veterinary, medical, and environmental sectors is essential. Future initiatives should focus on the deployment of economically viable diagnostic tools, the augmentation of public awareness, and the advancement of research pertaining to vaccines for livestock in order to effectively address this complex challenge.