Seroprevalence and risk factors of cysticercosis in two rural communities in Anzoátegui state, Venezuela

Manuel Toquero, Antonio Morocoima, Elizabeth Ferrer

Cysticercosis is caused by Taenia solium cysticerci, which are located mainly in the central nervous system causing neurocysticercosis. In Venezuela, few epidemiological studies on this disease have been conducted. To determine the seroprevalence and risk factors for cysticercosis in two rural communities in Anzoátegui state. We conducted a survey to collect data on possible risk factors and signs and symptoms of the disease, and we took 182 samples in two communities, Boquerón and Punto Lindo. Detection of IgG antibodies against T. solium cysticerci was performed by ELISA. Seroprevalence in Boquerón was 3.3%; due to the low number of seropositives the statistical analysis was not possible. However, the three seropositive persons had knowledge of the disease, and a history of consumption of undercooked pork meat, and presence of headache. In Punto Lindo, seroprevalence was 28.9%. There were no significant differences by sex or age; however, we found more seropositives among individuals younger than 20 years. With regard to risk factors and signs and symptoms, significant associations were found with consumption of undercooked pork (OR=18; 95% CI: 5.78 to 55.9), headaches (OR=3.6; 95% CI: 1.15 to 11.4), seizures (OR=18.9; 95% CI: 2.15 to 166.5) and visual problems (OR=5.7; 95% CI: 2.13 to 15.34). The results showed low transmission of cysticercosis in Boquerón, and high in Punto Lindo, where the high prevalence in children suggests recent transmission.