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

Introduction: 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. Objective: To determine the seroprevalence and risk factors for cysticercosis in two rural communities in Anzoategui state. Material and methods: 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, Boqueron and Punto Lindo. Detection of IgG antibodies against T. solium cysticerci was performed by ELISA. Results: Seroprevalence in Boqueron 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). Conclusions: The results showed low transmission of cysticercosis in Boqueron, and high in Punto Lindo, where the high prevalence in children suggests recent transmission.