Seroprevalence Of Cysticercosis Research Articles

Neurocysticercosis Prevalence and Characteristics in Communities of Sinda District in Zambia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aimed at describing the epidemiology of (neuro)cysticercosis as well as its clinical and radiological characteristics in a Taenia solium endemic district of Zambia. This was part of a cross-sectional community-based study conducted in Sinda district to evaluate an antibody-detecting T. solium point-of-care (TS POC) test for taeniosis and (neuro)cysticercosis. All TS POC cysticercosis positive (CC+) participants and a subset of the TS POC cysticercosis negative (CC-) received a clinical evaluation and cerebral computed tomography (CT) examination for neurocysticercosis (NCC) diagnosis and staging. Of the 1249 participants with a valid TS POC test result, 177 (14%) were TS POC CC+ . Cysticercosis sero-prevalence was estimated to be 20.1% (95% confidence intervals [CI] 14.6-27.0%). In total, 233 participants received a CT examination (151 TS POC CC+ , 82 TS POC CC-). Typical NCC lesions were present in 35/151 (23%) TS POC CC+ , and in 10/82 (12%) TS POC CC- participants. NCC prevalence was 13.5% (95% CI 8.4-21.1%) in the study population and 38.0% (95% CI 5.2-87.4%) among people reporting epileptic seizures. Participants with NCC were more likely to experience epileptic seizures (OR = 3.98, 95% CI 1.34-11.78, p = 0.01) than those without NCC, although only 7/45 (16%) people with NCC ever experienced epileptic seizures. The number of lesions did not differ by TS POC CC status (median: 3 [IQR 1-6] versus 2.5 [IQR 1-5.3], p = 0.64). Eight (23%) of the 35 TS POC CC+ participants with NCC had active stage lesions; in contrast none of the TS POC CC- participants was diagnosed with active NCC. NCC is common in communities in the Eastern province of Zambia, but a large proportion of people remain asymptomatic.

Spatial and Temporal Changes in Taenia solium Cysticercosis Seroprevalence among Pigs in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania.

Taenia solium remains among the major causes of epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding the geospatial distribution of the parasite is important to inform control strategies. This study assessed spatiotemporal changes in the T. solium infection among pigs from a rural area in southwestern Tanzania. Secondary data from a previous repeated cross-sectional study in the Mbeya and Mbozi districts were used, involving sixteen villages, eight from each of the two districts. Serum samples were collected from 482, 460, and 421 pigs in 221, 196, and 139 households, respectively, at seven-month intervals. Ag-ELISA was used to analyse the samples for circulating antigens. Geographic coordinates of the pig corrals adjacent to the households were also recorded using a hand-held GPS device. SatScan v9.7 software was used to perform purely spatial scan analysis, based on the Bernoulli distribution model. Spatial clustering was assumed based on the relative risk of T. solium seropositivity. Statistical significance (set at 0.05) of the cluster was determined by comparing the log-likelihood ratio with the null distribution derived by Monte Carlo simulations. The window with the highest log-likelihood ratio was regarded as a primary cluster. Results showed significant clustering of T. solium cases with the presence of a single primary cluster during each phase. The relative risk of T. solium infection among pigs within the primary cluster areas ranged from 3.0 to 6.7. The radii of the clusters expanded from 1.83 to 27.7 km before shrinking to 1.5 km, and cluster location drifted from north to central and then to the southern part of the study area. These findings suggest that with restricted resources, control measures in the area could be focused on pockets of high transmission. However, changes in the size and location of clusters suggest that to be effective, interventions should be instituted soon after clusters are identified.

Prevalence and seroprevalence of cysticercosis in Assam

Prevalence and seroprevalence of cysticercosis in Assam

Seropositivity to Cysticercosis in School-Age Children Living in a Low-Income Municipality in the Midwest Region of Brazil.

Human cysticercosis (CC) is a global public health problem, especially in Latin America, including Brazil. We aimed to analyze the seroprevalence of CC among school-age children and adolescents. We analyzed the presence of specific IgG antibodies against Taenia solium metacestodes in 500 serum samples from elementary school children and adolescents in Jataí City, state of Goiás, Brazil. IgG antibodies against the antigenic extract of the parasite were detected and analyzed by ELISA, and specific peptides were identified by confirmatory Western Blotting test. Of the 500 study participants, 205 (41%) were male, and 295 (59%) were female. Participants aged between 4 and 18 years (mean age 8.4 years). The percentage of serum samples reactive by ELISA was 37.2%. These samples were analyzed by Western Blotting, which confirmed that the seropositivity rate was 6.2% (95% CI 2.4-14.7) in 31 samples reactive for CC-specific bands, determined in serum samples from 18 male (5-11 years old) and 13 female (4-12 years old) students. The CC seroprevalence demonstrated in schoolchildren suggests that this parasitosis is endemic in the study area. Further investigations are necessary to clarify the local epidemiology of this parasitosis.

Seroprevalence of porcine cysticercosis in traditional farms in South-Eastern Côte d'Ivoire

BackgroundPorcine cysticercosis is an endemic parasitic zoonosis in many developing countries. The objective of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of porcine cysticercosis in traditional pig farms in the departments of Dabou, Aboisso and Agboville. MethodsBlood samples were taken from pigs and analyzed by ELISA (IgG) and western blot. Data on farming practices and pig characteristics were collected. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to identify risk factors. ResultsA total of 668 pigs were sampled from 116 farms and 639 samples were analyzed. The seroprevalence of cysticercosis was estimated at 13.2%. Overweight [OR = 2.6; 95%CI (1.3–4.9)] and fat pigs [OR = 2.3; 95%CI (1.0–4.8)] were twice as likely to be seropositive for cysticercosis. This risk was increased in farms using well water for drinking [OR = 2.5; 95%CI (1.0–6.3)] as well as those reporting veterinary care of the animals (OR = 2.9; 95%CI (1.2–7.3)). ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the circulation of Taenia solium in pig farms in southern Côte d'Ivoire.

Porcine Cysticercosis Sero-prevalence and Factors Associated with its Occurrence in Southern Highlands, Tanzania

Porcine cysticercosis is endemic in Tanzania, especially in the Southern Highlands, Central areas and Northern Highlands regions of the country. It is a condition that reduces pork quality and suitability for human consumption and hence affecting public health and the pig industry. The prevalence and possible associated factors for porcine cysticercosis occurrence were investigated to assist in the planning for sustainable control measures. This study was conducted in three wards of Iringa region, southern Tanzania. A blood sample was collected from 346 pigs in 88 households and analysed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), to detect Taenia solium antigens (Ag). A questionnaire administered to farmers and an observational checklist tool assisted the researcher in collecting household information on pig management, sanitation and hygiene practices. On average, 22.3±3.44 per cent of pigs was seropositive for porcine cysticercosis in the three wards, and 53.4 per cent of the surveyed households had at least one seropositive pig. Statistically, porcine cysticercosis was associated with the scavenging pig rearing method (OR=2.426; p≤0.05) and poor quality pig housing (OR=1.75; p≤0.05). This means that scavenging pigs and those living in poor-quality pens had two times higher chances of being infected. Having more than half studied pig units with positive case(s) indicates limited inputs in pig feeding and sheltering thus exposing them to infection vulnerability. The poor-quality pens allowed pigs to escape and/or scavenge on T. solium eggs contaminated environment. Training and sensitising on improved pig management using locally available resources is essential. Also emphasising regular latrine use, hygiene and sanitation practices can support control.

The burden of T. solium cysticercosis and selected neuropsychiatric disorders in Mocuba district, Zambézia province, Mozambique.

Taenia solium (neuro-)cysticercosis, a neglected tropical disease, can be associated with epileptic seizures and other neuropsychiatric (= neurological and psychiatric) disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the association of T. solium cysticercosis with selected neuropsychiatric disorders and/or symptoms (chronic headache, epileptic seizures/epilepsy and psychosis) in Mocuba district, Mozambique. Between March and May 2018, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,086 participants aged 2 years or above in Mocuba district, Zambézia province, central Mozambique, to assess the seroprevalence of human cysticercosis and risk factors for infection, as well as to explore its relation to selected neuropsychiatric disorders. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected from each participant using a modified questionnaire designed by the Cysticercosis Working Group for Eastern and Southern Africa. Additionally, neuropsychiatric disorders, such as chronic headache, epileptic seizures/epilepsy and psychosis were assessed using four vignettes. T. solium antigen and cysticercosis IgG in serum were detected using both T. solium antigen B158/B60 enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and LDBIO Cysticercosis Western Blot, respectively. Overall, 112/1,086 participants (10.3%) were sero-positive for T. solium antigen or antibodies. Prevalence of antibodies (6.6%; n = 72) was higher than of antigens (4.9%; n = 54). In the questionnaires, 530 (49.5%) of participants reported chronic headache, 293 (27%) had generalized epileptic seizures, 188 (18%) focal seizures and 183 (18.3%) psychosis. We found a statistically significant association between seropositivity for T. solium and chronic headache (p = 0.013). Additionally, increasing age (p = 0.03) was associated with Ag-ELISA seropositivity. Our study revealed that in Mocuba, T. solium cysticercosis is prevalent and associated with self-reported chronic headache. Additionally, in the study setting, the seroprevalence of cysticercosis increased with age. However, it is not associated with other neuropsychiatric disorders such epileptic seizures/epilepsy and psychosis. Future studies are needed to confirm the high burden of neuropsychiatric disorders and their possible etiology, including neurocysticercosis, using additional serological, molecular biological and radiological diagnostic tools, as well as in-depth clinical examinations.

Troubles neuropsychiatriques chez un jeune adulte : penser au parasite !

Taenia solium (pork tapeworm) infection is a well-known intestinal infection following ingestion of raw or undercooked meat from cystercotic pigs. But humans can also act as intermediate hosts when they ingest Taenia solium eggs present in contaminated food or water, conducing to cysticercosis. Neurocysticercosis is due to an encystment into the human brain system of Taenia solium larvae. This is a major cause of neuropsychiatric disorders in developing countries where people live in close proximity to livestock. Thirty-three percent of seizures in endemic countries are related to neurocysticercosis. Nevertheless, the World Health Organisation (WHO) classified neurocysticercosis as a zoonosis with an underestimated impact. This parasite mainly spreads in central and South America, sub-Saharan Africa and India. Only imported cases have been described in Europe, of which seventeen percent were found in France, making it one of the most affected countries in the continent. This can be explained by its vast Malagasy community: in Madagascar, the seroprevalence of cysticercosis is high, close to twenty percent. The diagnosis can be very complicated because of the wide array of symptoms (mobility, cognitive, or mental impairments, epilepsy…); neurocysticercosis is also called “the Great Imitator”. This complexity is reinforced furthermore by the poor efficiency of paraclinical exams. The main paraclinic exam is the brain imaging (CT-scan or MRI) showing non-specific calcified lesions of cysts. Electroencephalogram (EEG), lumbar puncture, biology, serology and the fundus of the eye are helpful but not flawless for the diagnosis. For example, the increase of eosinophilia is not found in the chronic form of the disease. As a result of the increasing mobility of people all around the world, parasitic diseases are an emergent problem in our region. Doctors in these non-endemic zones can be challenged by these unfamiliar illnesses. Psychiatrists are often on the front line facing these pathologies that can manifest themselves entirely through psychiatric disorders such as depression, psychotic disorders, etc. The main treatment of neurocysticercosis is albendazole and symptomatic treatment when the parasite reaches calcification. Below, we present the case of a 30-year-old Madagascan, without medical history, who displayed retrograde amnesia after being found wandering in the streets of Paris, claiming he was robbed. A peri traumatic dissociation was initially evoked. But the association of a clouding of consciousness (as presented in this case) with the retrograde amnesia is uncommon for a peritraumatic dissociation. This case clearly shows the difficulty of diagnosing neurocysticercosis. Only after carefully re-reading the CT-scan and relating it to the patient's origin, the disease was finally suggested. Del Brutto criterions are helpful to make the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis. In this case, the patient had one major, one minor and one epidemiological criterion making the diagnosis likely. One month later, the patient made a spontaneous full recovery. This case highlights the complexity of diagnosing neurocysticercosis. Indeed, in non-endemic zones, the symptoms of our patient could be explained by many other diagnostics: partial onset seizures, strokes, cranial trauma, drugs or alcohol abuse, hypoglycemia, other infections with brain calcifications, peritraumatic dissociation, etc. Retrospective or prospective studies could be helpful to improve its screening, diagnosis, and treatment. On the other hand, to improve our knowledge of-, and database for this disease, it could be suitable to class it as a notifiable disease.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of porcine cysticercosis: A cross-sectional study in Indonesia.

Background and Aim:Cysticercosis is a zoonotic disease with a global concern. Estimation of the prevalence and identification of potential risk factors are necessary for the prevention and control of the disease. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of cysticercosis and the correlation of the increased prevalence with several potential risk factors.Materials and Methods:The seroprevalence of cysticercosis was conducted using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), developed by the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, to detect Cysticercus cellulosae. This study used serum samples from 62 pigs taken from two regencies on Timor Island. The data analysis was performed using SPSS software 20.0 (IBM Corp., NY, USA) to evaluate ELISA results and the strength of the relationship between risk factors and the prevalence of disease using the odds ratio (OR).Results:Serum samples from 18 out of the 62 pigs were found to be positive; the seroprevalence of cysticercosis was 29%. The results showed that an extensive farming system led to a higher prevalence of cysticercosis compared to an intensive farming system, namely, 10 out of 18 (56.6%), and that the possibility of identifying cysticercosis in pigs in an extensive farming system was 5 times greater than that in pigs in an intensive farming system. In addition, the results showed that nine out of 18 households who did not have toilet facilities were found to be seropositive, indicating a significant relationship between the risk factor of toilet availability with cysticercosis in pigs, with an OR of 4.5. In addition, the results showed that there was no significant relationship between the risk factor of the feed source and the prevalence of cysticercosis in pigs.Conclusion:It can be concluded that the seroprevalence of cysticercosis was 29% in domestic pigs of Timor Island. The risk factors of an extensive pig farming system andtoilet availabilityin community houses were significantly related to the possibility of cysticercosis on Timor Island.

Seroprevalence of Cysticercosis among Epileptic Patients Attending Neurological Units in the Urban Area of Abidjan

Cysticercosis is one of the main causes of secondary epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa. To estimate the seroprevalence of cysticercosis among epileptic patients, we conducted a cross-sectional study of patients attending neurology consultation in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Methods: Patients’ socio-demographic and lifestyle data were collected as well as blood samples for serological testing using ELISA and Western blot based on IgG antibodies detection. For qualitative variables comparison, Chi2 or Fisher tests were used; a Student’s t-test was used to compare quantitative variables. A multivariate logistic regression model was fit to identify risks factors. Results: Among 403 epileptic patients included in the study, 55.3% were male; the median age was 16.9 years; 77% lived in Abidjan; 26.5% were workers. Most patients included in the study had tonic-clonic seizures (80%), and 11.2% had focal deficit signs. The seroprevalence of cysticercosis was 6.0%. The risk was higher in patients over 30 years old (aOR = 5.1 (1.3–20.0)) than in patients under 16. The risk was also considerably high in patients who reported epileptics in the family (aOR = 5 (1.7–14.6)). The risk was three-fold less in females than in males. Conclusions: This study highlighted the exposure of epileptic patients to Taenia solium larvae in an urban area. The risk of positive serology was increased with age, male gender, and family history of epilepsy.

Prevalencia, características clínicas y socioeconómicas de teniasis y cisticercosis en una población de Lurín - 2004

Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de teniasis intestinal y seroprevalencia de cisticercosis de los vendedores de chicharrones de Lurín en Lima-Perú, y conocer sus características epidemiológicas, socioeconómicas y síntomas asociados con la parasitosis. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal en vendedores de chicharrones del asentamiento humano “Julio C. Tello” de Lurín. Previo consentimiento informado de los participantes. Se utilizó una encuesta socioepidemiológica y se recolectó muestras de sangre para detectar anticuerpos específicos a Cisticerco (EITB) y de heces para la detección de coproantigenos de Taenia sp. (ELISA). Las muestras se procesaron en el Laboratorio de Cisticercosis del Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas. El protocolo fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética de la Facultad de Medicina de San Fernando. Resultados: De 49 encuestados, el 89,8% participaba en la preparación de chicharrones y atención al público. El 81,6% refirió lavarse las manos siempre después de defecar, 65,3% refirió hacerlo antes de consumir alimentos. Hubo 41 muestras de sangre que resultaron negativas para cisticercosis. La detección de coproantigenos de Taenia sp. fueron negativos en todos los casos. No se encontró huevos de Taenia sp. en el examen de microsedimentación. Los locales contaban con servicios de agua y desagüe. Discusión: Las condiciones sanitarias y hábitos higiénicos adecuados reducirían el riesgo de infección. El consumo de carne de cerdo en forma de chicharrón podría no estar asociado a la trasmisión de este parásito. Conclusión: Los datos obtenidos indican que no existe teniasis ni cisticercosis en dicha población estudiada.

Seroprevalence of porcine cysticercosis in Maharashtra

Porcine cysticercosis is caused by Cysticercus cellulosae, a larval stage of parasite Taenia solium. Humans get infected by consuming eggs of T. solium through contamination of food and water. Owing to economic and zoonotic importance of porcine cysticercosis in India, a research plan was designed to study seroprevalence of cysticercosis in Maharashtra. Blood samples (172) were collected from different regions. The seroprevalence of cysticercosis by ELISA, FTA and western blot was 8.5%, 7.5% and 6.98%, respectively. Cohen’s kappa coefficient was used to analyse for the percentage of agreement with meat inspection test. The sensitivity and specificity between ELISA and FTA (k=0.958) showed no significant difference. The study indicates that ELISA and FTA were more sensitive than western blot. Western blot of whole cyst antigen revealed immunoreactivity at 42 to 250 kDa bands. The seroprevalence of porcine cysticercosis in Maharashtra had increased significantly. FTA is easier to perform and faster than ELISA test. This simple test appears to be suitable for practical use at field level, especially for largescale ante-mortem screening of pigs against cysticercosis.

Screening for neurocysticercosis in internationally adopted children: yield, cost and performance of serological tests, Italy, 2001 to 2016

IntroductionNeurocysticercosis (NCC) is one of the leading causes of epilepsy worldwide. The majority of cases in Europe are diagnosed in immigrants. Currently in Italy, routine serological screening for cysticercosis is recommended for internationally adopted children (IAC) coming from endemic countries. Methods: We retrospectively analyse the results of the serological screening for cysticercosis in IAC 16 years old or younger, attending two Italian third level paediatric clinics in 2001–16. Results: Of 2,973 children included in the study, 2,437 (82.0%) were screened by enzyme-linked immune electro transfer blot (EITB), 1,534 (51.6%) by ELISA, and 998 (33.6%) by both tests. The seroprevalence of cysticercosis ranged between 1.7% and 8.9% according to EITB and ELISA, respectively. Overall, 13 children were diagnosed with NCC accounting for a NCC frequency of 0.4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.2–0.6%). Among the 168 seropositive children, only seven (4.2%) were diagnosed with NCC. Of these children, three were asymptomatic and four presented epilepsy. Among seronegative children (n = 2,805), seven presented with neurological symptoms that lead to the diagnosis of NCC in six cases. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value for the diagnosis of NCC were 54.5%, 98.6%, 14.6%, 99.8% for EITB and 22.2%, 91.1%, 1.4%, 99.5% for ELISA. The yield of the screening programme was 437 NCC cases per 100,000. The number needed to screen to detect one NCC case was 228. The cost per NCC case detected was EUR 10,372. Conclusion: On the base of our findings we suggest the ongoing serological screening for cysticercosis to be discontinued, at least in Italy, until further evidence in support will be available.

Habit of cooking pork on hot stones as main risk of cysticercosis

BackgroundCysticercosis is an infectious disease caused by the larval form of Taenia solium (cysticercus cellulosae) and has been ranked as the most important food-borne parasite of humans in terms of public health, socioeconomic and trade impact. Cysticercosis is still a health problem in Papua and is inseparable from socio-cultural factors, hygiene and environmental sanitation. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of cysticercosis and the risk factors that contribute to cysticercosis.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in March-November 2016 involving 800 subjects. Demographic data and risk factors were collected using questionnaires. Cysticercosis serological examination was performed by means of the magnetic microsphere bead immunoassay technique coupled with rT24H recombinant protein to detect serum rT24H cysticercosis specific antibodies. The data obtained were analyzed by bivariate test (chi-square) and logistic regression.ResultsCysticercosis seroprevalence in Papua was 3.6% (284/7 874). The logistic regression analysis found that the risk factors playing the role of predictor were cooking pork with hot stones [OR=3.06; 95%CI: 2.19-4.28; p=0.000], nail hygiene [OR=2.05; 95%CI: 1.57-2.67; p=0.000], consumption of raw vegetables or salads [OR=0.52; 95%CI: 0.30-0.91; p=0.022], use of river water for washing foods [OR= 1.92; 95%CI: 1.39-2.64; p=0.000].ConclusionsCooking pork with hot stones was the main risk factor of cysticercosis. Suspected cases of T. solium in pigs should be confirmed by molecular methods. Both taeniasis and human cysticercosis should be notifiable and surveillance in animals should be improved.

Seroprevalence of human cysticercosis in Jataí, Goiás state, Brazil

The Taenia solium cysticercosis affects millions of people worldwide and is considered a public health problem, especially in developing countries. The diagnosis of neurocysticercosis is complex and involves the analysis of epidemiological, clinical, neuroimaging, and immunological host data. Neurocysticercosis is endemic in Brazil, and is related to the cause of death mainly in the Southeast, South, and Central-West regions. The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of cysticercosis in inhabitants of the city of Jataí, Goiás, in the Central-West region of Brazil from April to August 2012. A total of 529 serum samples were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detecting IgG antibodies against T. solium larvae, and Western blotting was used for confirming the diagnosis through the recognition of at least two specific peptides from their serum antibodies. The 351/529 (66.3%) reactive samples were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting confirmed the diagnosis in 73 samples that recognized at least two of the following peptides specific IgG antibodies for cysticercosis: 18, 24, 28–32, 39–42, 47–52, 64–68, and 70kDa. The seroprevalence of cysticercosis was 13.8% (95% CI 5.9–21.7), demonstrating that the studied area is endemic to this disease.

Changes in the seroprevalence of cysticercosis in suspected patients in Chandigarh, India between 1998 and 2014: analysis of 17 years of data.

Changes in seroprevalence of cysticercosis diagnosed in Chandigarh, India between 1998 and 2014 were investigated by extraction and analysis of data from records held at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh. Among the total number of samples for which cysticercosis had been suspected during this period (N = 9650), 1716 (17·8%) were seropositive. Adults were more likely to be seropositive than children, and women were more likely to be seropositive than men. In addition to there being fewer patients with suspicion of cysticercosis over the data analysis period, the proportion of patients seropositive also reduced significantly. Despite these reductions, which are probably associated with improved infrastructure and sanitation within Chandigarh, and despite meat consumption being relatively rare in this area, the extent of cysticercosis in this population remains problematic. Further efforts should be made to reduce transmission of this infection, with particular emphasis on women. Such efforts should follow the One Health concept, and involve medical efforts (including diagnosis and treatment of T. solium tapeworm carriers), veterinary efforts directed towards meat inspection and prevention of infection of pigs, and environmental health and sanitation engineers (to minimize environmental contamination with human waste).

Seroprevalence of cysticercosis and associated risk factors in a group of patients examined at the Regional Referral Hospital in Antsirabe

IntroductionA Madagascar, la cysticercose, maladie causée par la forme larvaire de Taenia solium, demeure un problème de santé publique. En 2003, la séroprévalence de la cysticercose variait entre 7% et 21% avec un taux plus élevé dans les régions centrales de l’île. Toutefois, depuis une dizaine d’année, les données épidémiologiques concernant la cysticercose humaine restent limitées. Notre étude a pour objectif de déterminer, chez les patients issus de la région de Vakinankaratra et qui sont suspects cliniquement, la séroprévalence de la cysticercose par Western blot ainsi que les facteurs de risque associés.MéthodesIl s’agit d’une étude descriptive transversale menée sur une période de 6 mois au sein du Centre Hospitalier Régional de Référence d’Antsirabe. Tous les patients inclus dans l’étude ont répondu à un questionnaire clinique recueillant leurs caractéristiques sociodémographiques et culturelles ainsi que leurs habitudes alimentaires et leurs symptômes cliniques.RésultatsLa séroprévalence de la cysticercose retrouvée dans la population d’étude était de 14,8% (35/237). Ce taux ne diffère pas significativement selon le sexe, l’âge, la consommation de viande de porc ou le mode de préparation de la viande (p > 0,05). Par contre, une différence significative (p < 0,05) a été observée chez les sujets présentant des nodules sous-cutanés ou un résultat de cysticercose antérieur positif.ConclusionL’index élevé d’exposition à Taenia solium retrouvé dans notre étude justifie le renforcement des mesures de contrôle et de prévention déjà implantés dans le pays.

Serological Evidence of Exposure to Globally Relevant Zoonotic Parasites in the Estonian Population.

We investigated Estonian population and its selected subgroups for serological evidence of exposure to Ascaris lumbricoides, Echinococcus spp., Taenia solium, Toxocara canis, Toxoplasma gondii, and Trichinella spiralis. Serum samples from 999 adults representing general population, 248 children aged 14–18, 158 veterinarians, 375 animal caretakers, and 144 hunters were tested for specific immunoglobulin G antibodies against the selected parasites using commercial enzyme immunoassays (ELISA). Sera yielding positive or twice grey zone Echinococcus spp, T. solium, T. canis, and T. spiralis results were subjected to western blot (WB) analysis. In the general population, based on the ELISA results, the A. lumbricoides seroprevalence was 12.7%, Echinococcus spp. seroprevalence was 3.3%, T. solium seroprevalence was 0.7%, T. canis seroprevalence was 12.1%, T. gondii seroprevalence was 55.8%, and T. spiralis seroprevalence was 3.1%. Ascaris lumbricoides seroprevalences were higher in children and in animal caretakers than in the general population, and T. canis seroprevalence was higher in animal caretakers than in the general population. Compared with the general population, Echinococcus spp. seroprevalence was higher in children. By contrast, T. gondii seroprevalence was higher in animal caretakers, and lower in children, than in the general population. In the general population, the WB-confirmed Echinococcus spp. seroprevalence was 0.5%, T. solium cysticercosis seroprevalence was 0.0%, Toxocara spp. seroprevalence was 14.5%, and Trichinella spp. seroprevalence was 2.7%. WB-confirmed Toxocara spp. seroprevalence was higher in animal caretakers than in the general population. We found serological evidence of exposure to zoonotic parasites in all tested groups. This calls for higher awareness of zoonotic parasitic infections in Estonia.

Sensitivity of IgG ELISA for diagnosing cysticercosis in high risk group in and around Aligarh District of Uttar Pradesh, India

ObjectivesTo study the seroprevalence of cysticercosis and compare immunological, radiological and clinical features in patients of cysticercosis in high risk group of community. MethodsThe study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology and concerning departments of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Hospital, Aligarh from January 2012 to June 2013. The study population included 27 participants from high risk group in community like those involved in pig rearing, slaughtering of pigs and consumption of pork in and around Aligarh. The kit used to detect antibodies against Taenia solium (T. solium) was NovaTec T. solium IgG-ELISA. ResultsMajority of participants [12 (44.4%)] belonged to age-group 30–44 years. Majority of participants [25 (92.6%)] were males. Maximum number of participants [16 (59.3%)] belonged to socio-economic Class IV, followed by Class V. Only 2 (7.4%) participants showed positive for immunoglobulin G antibodies against T. solium. ConclusionsCysticercosis is a health problem in and around Aligarh with higher risk in males. Seroprevalence of cysticercosis in high risk community of Aligarh is 7.4%.

Temporal fluctuations in the sero-prevalence of Taenia solium cysticercosis in pigs in Mbeya Region, Tanzania.

BackgroundPorcine cysticercosis is an emerging agricultural problem in sub-Saharan Africa. This has been documented primarily through cross-sectional studies, however detailed knowledge of the transmission dynamics of this disease in sub-Saharan Africa is lacking. This study aims to describe seasonal variations in sero-prevalence of antigen ELISA positive porcine cysticercosis in an endemic area.MethodsA longitudinal study composed of three cross-sectional surveys was carried out in Mbeya Region, Tanzania; the first two six months apart (March/April 2012 and October/November 2012) and the last eight months later (July/August 2013). Venous blood was collected from pigs in 22 villages and analysed using Ag-ELISA.ResultsIn each survey between 800–1000 serum samples were collected. The first survey revealed a cysticercosis sero-prevalence of 15% (n = 822, 95% CI: 13-18%). The sero-prevalence had significantly increased to 24% (p < 0.001, χ2-test, n = 812, 95% CI: 21-27%) at the time of the 6 month follow-up. At 14-months the sero-prevalence had dropped to 20% (p = 0.053, χ2-test, n = 998, 95% CI: 18-23%). Overall, this was a reduction in sero-prevalence compared with a study conducted in 2007 in the same area, where 31% (186/600) of pigs were found positive.ConclusionConfined pigs did not have a lower sero-prevalence compared to free roaming pigs in any of the three surveys. Several factors may have contributed to the observed fluctuations such as African swine fever or seasonal variation in local crop production practices. Also, as the Ag-ELISA assay used is not species specific, variation in transmission of Taenia hydatigena could potentially influence the results. The observed fluctuations contradict a theoretical model which predicts a stable equilibrium, which only considers a two-compartment (pig and human) model excluding the effect of the environment. Whether the disease has an endemic equilibrium, or undergoes fluctuations dependent on extrinsic and/or socio-economic factors remains to be elucidated.