Detection of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Pigs in the Kpone Katamanso Municipality of Ghana
Description
Gastrointestinal parasite infections are a major constraint in pig production. To assess their prevalence and intensity in pigs in the Kpone Katamanso Municipality, Ghana, a cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 142 faecal samples were collected from intensively raised pigs across 13 farms and analyzed using coproscopic and molecular (PCR) methods. The dataset provides faecal egg and oocyst counts for each parasite detected, the diagnostic method used, and the PCR results (positive or negative) for molecular detection of Cryptosporidium spp. This comprehensive dataset enables detailed analysis of parasite prevalence and intensity and can be used for comparative studies, epidemiological modeling, and validation of diagnostic approaches in veterinary parasitology.
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Data Production Methods This dataset was generated from a cross-sectional study in pigs in the Kpone Katamanso Municipality, Ghana. The following steps were followed to produce the data: Sample Collection: Naturally voided faecal samples were collected from individual pigs aged 2–12 months across 13 farms. Samples were placed in clean, labelled containers and transported on ice to the laboratory. Collection was performed with the informed consent of all farm owners. Coproscopic Analysis: 1. Formol-ether concentration was used to detect and concentrate parasite eggs, larvae, and protozoan cysts after which parasites were identified by microscopy. 2. Modified McMaster Technique was used concentrate and count faecal egg and oocyst. 3. Smears of concentrated faecal samples using the Modified McMaster technique were prepared on glass slides for Cryptosporidium detection using a modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining procedure. 4. Parasite intensity was recorded as eggs/gram of faeces or oocyst eggs/gram of faeces. Molecular Analysis: DNA was extracted from faecal samples. Nested PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene was performed to detect Cryptosporidium spp, Amplicons were resolved on agarose gel stained with Ethidium Bromide. PCR results were recorded as positive or negative for each sample. Data Recording and Compilation: For each sample, the dataset includes parasite detected, faecal egg and oocyst counts, diagnostic method used (coproscopy or PCR) and PCR results for Cryptosporidium spp. Data were compiled in a structured format suitable for analysis and public access in Microsoft Excel. Note: This dataset is unpublished and represents raw data generated specifically for this study.
Institutions
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research