Information on cysticercosis in neurological patients living in an endemic area

We conducted a study to determine the knowledge on cysticercosis among neurological patients evaluated at the Luis Vernaza Hospital of Guayaquil, as well as to determine risk factors for cysticercosis among these people. Only 13 of the 151 patients who fulfilled the questionaire answered to one or more questions about cysticercosis, and in every case such an answer was incorrect. All these patients believed that cysticercosis is acquired by ingesting pork meat. Nevertheless, swine was the most common pet among our population, being present in almost 15% of houses. In this study, we found a direct relationship between raising pigs and having the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis. A public campaign devoted to increase the knowledge on cysticercosis among our people is of paramount importance to reduce the prevalence of the disease.