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

INTRODUCTION

In Madagascar, cysticercosis, a disease caused by Taenia Solium's larval form, is a public health problem. In 2003, the seroprevalence of cysticercosis ranged between 7% and 21% with a higher rate in the central regions of the island. However, epidemiological data on human cysticercosis have been limited over the last dozen years. The objective of our study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of cysticercosis Western blot as well as its associated risk factors in patients from the region of Vakinankaratra with clinical suspicion.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive study at the Regional Referral Hospital in Antsirabe over a period of 6 months. All the patients included in the study answered a clinic questionnaire collecting their socio-demographic and cultural features as well as their dietary habits and their clinical symptoms.

RESULTS

The seroprevalence of cysticercosis in the study population was 14.8% (35/237). These rates did not differ significantly according to sex, age, pork consumption or meat preparation (p > 0.05). However, a significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed among patients with subcutaneous nodules or positive for cysticercosis.

CONCLUSION

In our study, the high index of exposure to Taenia solium justifies the strengthening of control and prevention measures already set up in our country.