Seroprevalence of Human Cysticercosis in Amper and Kabwir Districts of Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Human cysticercosis is an important public health problem, particularly in developing countries. The seroprevalence of human cysticercosis in Amper and Kabwir Districts of Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State was studied between January and March 2019. Blood samples were collected from 151 individuals in the study area. Serum was obtained and Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) was performed to determine the prevalence of 1gG antibodies to cysticercosis. Forty-one (41) out of 151 individuals were positive for human cysticercosis giving a seroprevalence of 27.15%. Seroprevalence was higher in females (29.87%) than in males (24.32%) however, this was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Age group 41 to 50 years had the highest (33.33%) seroprevalence of infection while individuals 51 years and above had the lowest (16.67%) seroprevalence. Other risk factors that influenced seroprevalence include the source of drinking water, the type of toilet system used, and the rearing of pigs. Good sanitary measures are suggested to combat this infection.