Abstract
A cross-sectional study was conducted at Mekelle from November 2013 to March 2014 on the basis of questionnaire survey with the main objective of determining the prevalence of taeniasis in human. It also estimates the cost of taeniasis treatment in Mekelle town. A retrospective data on human taeniasis was collected from health centers and inventory of Pharmacy shops in Mekelle town. Out of the total 75 respondents, 46 (61.3%) had contracted Taenia (T) saginata infection and there was significant difference (p<0.05) with religious groups and different levels of raw meat consumers (P=0.000). An-overall prevalence of human taeniasis was 0.56% (193/34, 310). An inventory of pharmacy shops revealed a total of 22,412 adult taeniacidal drug doses worth 95,700 Eth. Birr (4958.5 USD) were sold during the year 2012-2013. Based on the response of pharmacists at 48 different pharmacy shops, 40 (83.33%) were from rural areas as compared to urban dwellers(16.7%). Niclosamide and Prazequantel are the only drugs used for treatment of human taeniasis in the study area and Niclosamide was preferred over Prazequantel. Taeniasis is resulted by consumption of raw beef. Therefore, due attention is needed to spread mass awareness in public and there is strict need for routine meat inspection. Keywords : Health centers; Pharmacy shop; Prevalence; Taeniasis; Mekelle, Ethiopia.
Highlights
Taenia saginata, commonly known as the beef tapeworm isa zoonotic tapeworm found in intestine causing taeniasis in humans
Questionnaire Survey Questionnaire survey data collected was translated into categorical variables which were assessed for association with human taeniasis (Table 1)
There was statistically significant difference in the prevalence of taeniasis between different religion groups (p
Summary
Commonly known as the beef tapeworm isa zoonotic tapeworm found in intestine causing taeniasis in humans. Humans are generally infected as a result of eating raw beef having cysts of Taenia.Taeniasis is found globally that consume raw beef (Murrell, 2005). It is relatively common in Africa, some parts of Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America (Eckert, 2005).In Eastern African countries 70% of the population is reported to have been infected with a tapeworm (Tolossa et al, 2015). Prevalence of human taeniasis in Ethiopia varied from 31% to 70% as has been reported by different researchers (Megersa et al, 2010; Bedu et al, 2011; EndrisandNegussie, Momona Ethiopian Journal of Science (MEJS), V10(2):290-297,2018 ©CNCS,Mekelle University, ISSN:2220-184X
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
