Prevalence Of Cysticercosis Research Articles

Validity of the Enzyme-linked Immunoelectrotransfer Blot (EITB) for naturally acquired porcine cysticercosis

The Enzyme-linked Immunoelectrotransfer Blot (EITB) has been used widely as a screening test for Taenia solium cysticercosis in swine. However, the relation between seropositivity and infection in pig populations from endemic areas has not been well defined. The aim of this study is to relate EITB seropositivity with infection and infection burden, analyse the trade-off between sensitivity and specificity with various cut-off points for the EITB assay, and finally describe the serology changes in a cohort of rural pigs raised under natural conditions. A group of 107 pigs that were used as controls during a vaccination field trial in Peru was our study population. The prevalence of porcine cysticercosis determined by necropsy examination was 16.82% (18/107) in these animals. Using EITB reactivity to ≥1 band as a cut-off point for the assay, the sensitivity was 88.89% (65.29–98.62, 95% CI) and the specificity was 48.31% (37.59–59.16, 95% CI). Comparing other cut-off points, involving up to as many as 7 reactive bands, a reactivity of ≥3 bands provided the best trade-offs in sensitivity and specificity. Using this cut-off point for the assay, the sensitivity was 77.77% (52.36–93.59, 95% CI) and the specificity was 76.40% (66.22–84.76, 95% CI). A significant association was found between cyst counts over 100 cysts and reactivity to ≥3 bands in the EITB assay (Fisher's exact test, p<0.05). The results of this study suggest that the use of the EITB assay to study porcine cysticercosis may require setting different cut-offs under field and experimental conditions, and depending upon the objective of the screening process.

Prevalence of porcine cysticercosis and associated risk factors in smallholder pig production systems in Mbeya region, southern highlands of Tanzania

Porcine cysticercosis (PC) caused by the larval stage of a zoonotic tapeworm Taenia solium, is known to pose serious economic losses and public health risk among smallholder pig production communities. The present study was conducted to determine prevalence and associated risk factors for PC in smallholder pig production systems in Mbeya region, the major pig rearing region of Tanzania. A cross-sectional survey employing a random sample of 300 pig keepers from 30 villages of Mbozi and Mbeya Rural districts, Mbeya region were used to evaluate pig production systems and practices. Concurrently, 600 male and female pigs of different age categories were randomly selected and examined for PC using lingual examination method and antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Ag-ELISA). The overall pig level PC prevalence in Mbozi district was 11.7% (95% CI=8.5–15.8%) and 32% (95% CI: 27–37.5%) based on lingual examination and Ag-ELISA, respectively. In Mbeya Rural district, the prevalences were 6% (95% CI: 3.8–9.3%) and 30.7% (95% CI: 25.8–36.1%) by lingual examination and Ag-ELISA, respectively. In Mbozi district 46% of the households were found infected (one or more infected pigs) and the corresponding figure was 45% for Mbeya Rural district. The agreement between lingual examination and Ag-ELISA was poor (κ<0.40). There were no significant differences in the prevalence of PC in different sex categories of pigs. Significant risk factors associated with PC prevalence were free roaming of pigs (OR=2.1; 95% CI=1.3–3.6; p=0.006), past experience of porcine cysticercosis in the household (OR=2.6; 95% CI=1.5–4.8; p=0.002), increased age of pig (OR=1.9; 95% CI=1.2–3.0), slatted raised floor in pig pen (OR=8.4; 95% CI=1.0–70.0), in-house origin of the pig (OR=1.6; 95% CI=1.1–2.5) and sourcing of water from rivers (OR=3.1; 95% CI=1.6–6.3; p<0.001) and ponds (OR=5.0; 95% CI=1.2–21.7; p=0.031). This study has clearly revealed a high sero-prevalence of PC in the study area, which imposes a major economical and public health burden to the smallholder pig farmers. The study also points to a number of important risk factors in smallholder pig management that may be addressed (e.g. confinement, quality of pens and water sources) in future interventions and educational campaigns for control of T. solium.

Detection of Cysticercus bovis in abattoirs in Northern Ireland between 2001 and 2011

Cysticercus bovis is the larval stage of the human beef tapeworm, Taenia saginata . Cattle act as the intermediate host for the parasite. Cattle become infected through access to environments...

Multi-test analysis and model-based estimation of the prevalence of Taenia saginata cysticercus infection in naturally infected dairy cows in the absence of a ‘gold standard’ reference test

The diagnostic values of seven serological tests (ELISAs) and of the obligatory European Union-approved routine visual meat inspection for the detection of Taenia saginata cysticercosis were investigated. A total of 793 slaughtered dairy cows were selected in three European Union approved abattoirs in Switzerland, an endemic area (apparent prevalence by enhanced meat inspection up to 4.5%) with typically low parasite burdens. ELISAs based on a somatic larval antigen, isoelectric focused somatic larval antigen, larval excretory/secretory antigens, peptide HP6-2, peptide Ts45S-10, pooled peptide solution and a monoclonal antibody antigen capture assay were initially screened. As there is no perfect diagnostic ‘gold standard’ reference test, the obligatory meat inspection and four selected serological tests were further analysed using Bayesian inference to estimate the “true” prevalence and the diagnostic test sensitivities and specificities. The ELISA for specific antibody detection based on excretory/secretory antigens showed highest sensitivity and specificity with 81.6% (95% credible interval: 70–92) and 96.3% (95% credible interval: 94–99), respectively. The Bayesian model estimated the specificity of the ELISA, based on the synthetic peptide Ts45S-10 as 55.2% (95% credible interval: 46–65) and sensitivity as 84.7% (95% credible interval: 82–88). The sensitivity of the ELISA based on mAbs, detecting circulating antigen, was 14.3% (95% credible interval: 9–23) with a specificity of 93.7% (95% credible interval: 92–96). The diagnostic sensitivity of the obligatory standard European Union meat inspection procedure for the detection of T. saginata cysticercus infection at the abattoir was estimated to be 15.6% (95% credible interval: 10–23). Based on these data, the modelled prevalence of cysticercosis in dairy cows presented at abattoirs in Switzerland was estimated to be 16.5% (95% credible interval: 13–21). These cattle also had a high prevalence of infection with Dicrocoelium dendriticum (60.8%) and Fasciola hepatica (13.5%).

Epidemiological survey of the taeniasis/cysticercosis complex in cattle farms in Viçosa County, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Despite the importance of human taeniasis/bovine cysticercosis for public and animal health and the economy, its actual epidemiological status in Brazil is not well-studied. We sought to assess the epidemiological profile of this zoonosis in the rural area of Viçosa County, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The prevalence of bovine cysticercosis was 0.42%, whereas no case of human taeniasis was diagnosed. Factors favoring the persistence of zoonosis were identified. These included the supply of untreated water to animals, animals raised for slaughter without sanitary supervision, poor mechanization of raising techniques, and the use of untreated water for human consumption. Bovine meat for human consumption acquired in the city or from the farm itself was characterized as a risk factor for bovine cysticercosis (Odds Ratio (OR) =16.77; p&lt;0.05). Nevertheless, the families on the investigated farms did apply several appropriate measures to control this disease, such as the virtual lack of open sewers and the consumption of well-cooked meat. The presence of bovine cysticercosis cases, and the factors favoring its persistence, point to the need for constant epidemiological and sanitary surveillance in this county.

EPIDEMIOLOGÍA DE LA CISTICERCOSIS PORCINA EN TRES CASERÍOS DE LA PROVINCIA DE ZARUMILLA, TUMBES

The study assessed the prevalence of porcine cysticercosis in three villages (IslaNoblecilla, Tutumo and Nuevo Progreso) from Matapalo district, in Tumbes, Peru. Allpigs excepting pregnant sows and piglets younger than two-months old were censusedand ear-tagged, and a blood sample was collected. Antibodies against T. solium weredetermined in serum samples using the Enzime linked Immuno Electro Transfer BlotAssay (EITB). Some risk factors associated with the presence of antibodies againstCysticercus cellulosae were estimated. The total prevalence was 26% (139/534). Prevalencerates were 85/236 (36%), 45/276 (16%) and 9/22 (41%) for Nuevo Progreso, Tutumo andIsla Noblecilla respectively. Variables associated with presence of antibodies were village(P = 0.005) and age (P &lt; 0.001). Information on the number of reaction bands in the EITBassay was used to predict the actual prevalence of T. solium infection in pigs using thebeta-binomial stochastic simulation (@Risk 4.0 software). According to the simulation,90% of the expected prevalences were contained in the 9-15% interval. It was concludedthat T. solium transmission is occurring in both human and porcine populations.

Occurrence of Cysticercus bovis in Cattle Slaughtered at the Ibi Slaughter House, Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria

This study was conducted to investigate the occurrence of Cysticercus bovis in cattle slaughtered at the Ibi slaughter house between January 2010 and December, 2012 using systematic veterinary inspection of carcasses. A total of 6007 carcasses were examined during the period of study with an overall prevalence of 4.8% (288/6007). Carcasses from male and female cattle represented 1.5% (89/6007) and 3.3% (199/6007) of the overall prevalence. There was a highly significant statistical difference between the male and female prevalence of bovine cysticercosis observed (P= 0.0001). The years 2010, 2011 and 2012 recorded prevalence rates of 1.5% (87/6007), 1.6% (98/6007) and 1.8% (105/6007) respectively which was highly statistically significant (P 3-6 and >6 recorded prevalence rates of 0.53% (32/6007), 1.82% (109/6007) and 2.45% (147/6007) respectively. Prevalence of bovine cysticercosis in relation to management practices were 3.85% (231/6007) and 0.95% (57/6007) for nomadic and sedentary practices respectively. This difference was statistically insignificant (P >0.05). The monthly distribution of Cysticercus bovis among carcasses was highest 0.62% (37/6007) in July, followed by 0.6% (36/6007) in September and the lowest prevalence of 0.21% (13/6007) was observed in January. This was highly statistically significant (P<0.00001). The result of this study have shown the existence of Cysticercus bovis in beef carcasses processed at the Ibi slaughter house which is a possible public health risk in the study area.

Assessing the burden of human cysticercosis in Vietnam

To describe the occurrence of cysticercosis in patients living in rural areas of Northern Vietnam presenting clinical signs of neurocysticercosis. Serological antigen detection, reflecting current infection with viable larval stages of Taenia solium, was used to estimate the prevalence of active cysticercosis in this patient population. The seroprevalence in epileptic patient population was <10%. However, antigen detection cannot detect dead cysticerci, which may also cause clinical signs. Therefore, the seroprevalence figures shown here may underestimate the role of neurocysticercosis as a causal agent of epilepsy and headaches in this population. Human and porcine cysticercosis remain public and veterinary public health problems in Northern Vietnam and probably in other parts of the country.

Prevalence of porcine cysticercosis in Vellore, South India

Porcine cysticercosis is acquired by pigs through consumption of human faeces containing Taenia solium ova and indicates the presence of active transmission of the parasite between pigs and humans. The prevalence of porcine cysticercosis was assessed by an antigen ELISA and enzyme linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) for antibodies in rural and urban areas of southern India. Of the 112 porcine blood samples, 13 (11.6%) were positive for cysticercal antigens and the free-range pigs were 3.6 times more likely to be infected than the slaughtered pigs and 67 (59.8 %) tested positive for serum antibodies indicating high exposure to T. solium eggs. The high prevalence of porcine cysticercosis recorded in the study areas mandates public health measures, which includes meat inspection.

The prevalence and spatial epidemiology of cysticercosis in slaughtered cattle from Brazil

Cisticercose bovina é uma doença endêmica em vários países com um importante potencial zoonótico e uma crescente importância na saúde pública. A inspecção da carne nos matadouros é fundamental para estabelecer a prevalência e prevenção de doenças zoonóticas, tais como a cisticercose. No entanto, no Brasil, não há estudo que tenha investigado a dinâmica da cisticercose em bovinos abatidos em todo o país. Assim, o presente estudo teve como objetivo usar Sistema de Informação Geográfica (GIS) como uma ferramenta para analisar a prevalência de cisticercose bovina em bovinos, usando os dados de matadouros inspecionados pelo Serviço de Inspeção Federal do Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (SIF/MAPA), no período de janeiro de 2007 a abril de 2010. As informações de bovinos abatidos foram usadas para gerar um banco de dados sobre cisticercose bovina para todos os estados e municípios do Brasil, a fim de analisar e criar mapas epidemiológicos usando o software GIS. Durante o período analisado, 75.983.590 bovinos foram abatidos e a prevalência de cisticercose bovina no Brasil foi de 1,05%, com a região Sudeste apresentando a maioria dos casos. A maior quantidade de casos cisticercose bovina ocorreram no estado de São Paulo (400.834), seguido por Mato Grosso do Sul (151.735) e Paraná (94.046), enquanto não houve observação de ocorrência em nove estados. Os dados fornecidos por matadouros inspecionados pelo SIF/MAPA podem ser usados como uma fonte informativa para animais e agências de saúde pública para a prevenção do complexo teníase/cisticercose. Este estudo elucida a importância da inspecção da carne associado aos mapas epidemiológicos, visando o controle da doença nos rebanhos bovinos e a vigilância ativa para infecção zoonótica potencial para humano. Os dados deste estudo sugerem que a cisticercose bovina é endêmica em vários estados brasileiros, e o risco de infecção está diretamente relacionado com as principais áreas de criação de bovinos, independentemente da demografia da população humana.

Distribuição e identificação das regiões de risco para a cisticercose bovina no estado do Paraná

A cisticercose bovina é um problema de saúde pública e animal amplamente difundido no Brasil, que repercute negativamente na produção de carne em diversos estados do país. Trata-se de uma das afecções mais ocorrentes nos abates sob inspeção sanitária tornando-se motivo de preocupação para frigoríficos e produtores, devido os prejuízos que acarreta. Pouco se conhece sobre a distribuição e a evolução do número de casos de cisticercose bovina no estado do Paraná. Diante do exposto este trabalho teve o objetivo realizar um levantamento retrospectivo sobre a ocorrência da cisticercose bovina, diagnosticada através do exame post-mortem pelo Serviço de Inspeção Federal do Estado do Paraná entre os anos de 2004 a 2008, além de determinar a distribuição dos casos no Estado, identificar as regiões com maiores chances de apresentarem casos da doença e analisar a perda econômica do Estado por conta das condenações por esta parasitose. Foi constatada prevalência de 2,23% cisticercose bovina no estado do Paraná. Durante o período analisado ocorreu uma redução estatisticamente significante (p&lt;0,05) da prevalência de cisticercose bovina no estado. Nos anos de 2004-2008 foram condenadas 29.708.550 kg de carne bovina por cisticercose, acarretando prejuízos de ordem econômica. O estado do Paraná está conseguindo através da implantação do programa de controle do complexo teníase-cisticercose, uma evolução positiva já que conseguiu durante o período analisado diminuir a prevalência desta parasitose nos bovinos e consequentemente diminuir as perdas econômicas.

Prevalence of Three Liver Parasites in Sheep and Goats in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah , Saudi Arabia Kingdom

The epidemiological status of cysticercosis, hydatidosis and dicrocoelosis in sheep and the production practices of sheep farmers that increase the risk of exposure of sheep to their infectious agents were studied in Al-Madinah, during 2011-2012. A total of 450 sheep and 1650 goats were inspected randomly at an abattoir survey and the prevalence of hydatidosis, cysticercosis and dicrocoelosis was recorded as 0.4%, 13.3% & 0.6% in sheep and 0.16%, 1.8% & 0.0% in goats respectively. The prevalence of cysticercosis increased dramatically in days of wedding parties to more than 75% because a large number of sheep was brought from one grazing endemic farm. The improper disposal of dead animals, the access of farm dogs to offal of slaughtered sheep, the farmers carelessness to treat their dogs with anthelmintic, and the grazing of flocks in fields where stray dogs have free access; increased the sheep and goats risk of exposure to hydatidosis and cysticercosis.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Taenia solium in a Multiple Taeniid-Endemic Region Reveals Competition May be Protective

We conducted cross-sectional surveys for taeniasis and cysticercosis in humans, pigs, and dogs in four northern provinces of Laos. Human cysticercosis and taeniasis prevalence was 2.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.4-3.0%) and 8.4% (95% CI = 6.9-9.9%), respectively. Eating uncooked beef, being male, province of residence, age, and ethnicity were significant risk factors for taeniasis and only province of residence was a significant risk factor for cystiercosis. Thirty-five human tapeworms were recovered during the survey and 33 (94.3%) and 2 (5.7%) were identified as Taenia saginata and T. solium, respectively. Maximum-likelihood adjusted prevalence of T. solium and T. hydatigena in pigs was 4.2% (95% CI = 0.5-7.9%) and 55.9% (95% CI = 47.5-64.3%), respectively, and T. hydatigena taeniasis in dogs was 4.8% (95% CI = 0.0-11.3%). Taenia hydatigena and T. saginata were the most prevalent taeniids in the respective pig and human populations and together may suppress T. solium transmission.

Prevalence and morphometric studies on porcine cysticercosis in Adamawa State, Nigeria

Porcine cysticercosis is emerging as a serious agricultural and public health problem in African countries. A study on the prevalence and morphometric of porcine cysticercosis was conducted at post mortem using palpation and incision technique of routine meat inspection. Out of the 247 slaughter pigs examined at post mortem, 8(3.2%) were infected and of this number 5(2.7%) were males and 3(5.1%) were females. Infection was more common in the Hampshire breed 7(3.5%), than the black Ashanti 1(3.3%). The Landrace breed had no infection. A total of 760 cysts were removed from infected animals. Out of this number, 261(34.3%) were removed from the shoulder muscle, 189 (24.9%) from the masseters, 176 (23.2%) from the tongue and 134 (17.3%) were removed from the heart respectively. 5 (0.65%) of the cyst were matured and 755 (99.34%) were immature. A total of 632 (83.2%) were viable while 128 (16.8%) were non-viable. Cyst morphometry indicated an overall mean ± SD (range) of 8.8±1.0(5-12) by 5.4±1.1(3-7) mm. Cysts from the shoulder had a mean ± SD (range) (length x breadth in mm) of 7.6±8.7(5-11) by 4.4±8.8(3-6) while those from the masseters were 7.8±6.9(6-12) by 4.7 ± 3.8 (4-6), tongue 8.7 ± 2.9 (6-12) by 5.7±2.6(4-6), and heart 8.6±3.5(5-12) by 5.3±3.7(3-7). The mean ±SD (range) number of hooks counted was 4.4±0.4 (4-6). This study has confirmed the presence of Cysticercus cellulosae and its morphological characteristics, which are useful aids in providing diagnostic and public health alerts.

Prevalence of Bovine Cysticercosis of Slaughtered Cattle in Meshkinshahr Abattoir, Iran

Prevalence of Bovine Cysticercosis of Slaughtered Cattle in Meshkinshahr Abattoir, Iran

Use of oxfendazole to control porcine cysticercosis in a high-endemic area of Mozambique.

A randomized controlled field trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a single oral dose of 30 mg/kg of oxfendazole (OFZ) treatment for control of porcine cysticercosis was conducted in 4 rural villages of Angónia district, north-western Mozambique. Two hundred and sixteen piglets aged 4 months were selected and assigned randomly to OFZ treatment or control groups. Fifty-four piglets were treated at 4 months of age (T1), while another 54 piglets were treated at 9 months of age (T2) and these were matched with 108 control pigs from the same litters and raised under the same conditions. Baseline data were collected on the prevalence of porcine cysticercosis using antigen ELISA (Ag-ELISA), as well as knowledge and practices related to Taenia solium transmission based on questionnaire interviews and observations. All animals were followed and re-tested for porcine cysticercosis by Ag-ELISA at 9 and 12 months of age when the study was terminated. Overall prevalence at baseline was 5.1% with no significant difference between groups. At the end of the study, 66.7% of the controls were found positive, whereas 21.4% of the T1 and 9.1% of the T2 pigs were positive, respectively. Incidence rates of porcine cysticercosis were lower in treated pigs as compared to controls. Necropsy of 30 randomly selected animals revealed that viable cysts were present in none (0/8) of T2 pigs, 12.5% (1/8) of T1 pigs and 42.8% (6/14) of control pigs. There was a significant reduction in the risk of T. solium cysticercosis if pigs were treated with OFZ either at 4 months (OR = 0.14; 95% CI: 0.05–0.36) or at 9 months of age (OR = 0.05; 95% CI: 0.02–0.16). Strategic treatment of pigs in endemic areas should be further explored as a means to control T. solium cysticercosis/taeniosis.

Neurocysticercosis: Neglected but Not Forgotten

Neurocysticercosis: Neglected but Not Forgotten

Taenia solium Infections in a Rural Area of Eastern Zambia-A Community Based Study

Background Taenia solium taeniosis/cysticercosis is a parasitic infection occurring in many developing countries. Data on the status of human infections in Zambia is largely lacking. We conducted a community-based study in Eastern Zambia to determine the prevalence of human taeniosis and cysticercosis in a rural community.Methods and FindingsStool and serum samples were collected from willing participants. Geographical references of the participants' households were determined and household questionnaires administered. Taeniosis was diagnosed in stool samples by coprology and by the polyclonal antibody-based copro-antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (copro-Ag ELISA), while cysticercosis was diagnosed in serum by the B158/B60 monoclonal antibody-based antigen ELISA (sero-Ag ELISA). Identification of the collected tapeworm after niclosamide treatment and purgation was done using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). A total of 255 households from 20 villages participated in the study, 718 stool and 708 serum samples were collected and examined. Forty-five faecal samples (6.3%) were found positive for taeniosis on copro-Ag ELISA while circulating cysticercus antigen was detected in 5.8% (41/708) individuals. The tapeworm recovered from one of the cases was confirmed to be T. solium on PCR-RFLP. Seropositivity (cysticercosis) was significantly positively related to age (p = 0.00) and to copro-Ag positivity (taeniosis) (p = 0.03) but not to gender. Change point analysis revealed that the frequency of cysticercus antigens increased significantly in individuals above the age of 30. Copro-Ag positivity was not related to age or gender. The following risk factors were noted to be present in the study community: free-range pig husbandry system and poor sanitation with 47.8% of the households visited lacking latrines.ConclusionsThis study has recorded high taeniosis and cysticercosis prevalences and identified the need for further studies on transmission dynamics and impact of the disease on the local people.

Prevalence of porcine cysticercosis in Nagaon, Morigaon and Karbianglong district of Assam, India

Prevalence of Porcine Cysticercosis in three districts of Assam was studied for a period of one year from March 2002 to February 2003. Except certain geographical region of Assam, many districts of this state have yet remained unexplored for this important zoonotic disease, let along the following three districts i.e. Nagaon, Morigaon and KarbiAnglong. Monthly visit to the market places were made in different localities of the three districts. Prevalence of cysticercosis according to age, sex, breed of carcasses and seasonal occurrence were studied. The whole period of observation was divided in to four seasons as per Indian Meteorological Department as pre-monsoon, monsoon, post- monsoon and winter. A total of 978 pigs were examined, out of which 93 pigs (9.50%) were found to be positive for infection. District wise highest (13.70%) prevalence was found in KarbiAnglong and lowest (7.55%) in Nagaon district. Age wise prevalence study showed highest (11.41%) in the age group of 7-12 months and lowest (7.60%) in the age group 19-24 months. Prevalence of C. cellulosae infection in male and female was 9.15 and 10. 39 percent respectively. Breed wise prevalence was found more in cross bred (12.53%) than in local breed (7.49%).Overall seasonal prevalence was highest during pre-monsoon (10.93%) and lowest (7.82%) during monsoon season. Though there were variation in the rate of prevalence of porcine cysticercosis based on age, sex, breed and seasons. The disease was found to exist in the study area throughout the year that ranged from 5.71 to 14.06 percent.

The Serological Survey for Human Cysticercosis Prevalence in Mbulu District, Tanzania

Human cysticercosis, a zoonotic disease due to Taeniasolium, is of the highly debilitating and stigmatizing neglected tropical diseases due to epilepsy, ophthalmia and dermatological disorders in endemic developing countries. Tanzania is among the sub-Saharan African countries with an average prevalence of porcine cysticercosis 17.2% [1], which increases the risk of human cysticercosis infection. Studies on people with epilepsy in northern zone of Tanzania show a 16.2% [2] to be suffering from neurocysticercosis. While this was the case, there were no single report on the prevalence of human cysticercosis neither to regular hospital visitors, admissions, and nor general public that result to insufficient deployment of intervention strategies. Study was performed to assess the prevalence of human cysticercosis in general public in Mbulu district. The cephalic venous blood was collected from assorted community members. Serum was extracted and then subjected to Cysticercus IgG Western Blot Assay for human cysticercosis sero-screening. It was found that about 16.3% of the community members had antibodies signifying infection by human cysticercosis. This is the first ever study to assess the prevalence of human cysticercosis in the country and it has revealed the problem to be very high. This study can be valuable for deployment of appropriate intervention measures on human cysticercosis in the study area and extend to the entire country.