[Cysticercosis in Madagascar: diagnostic and therapeutic improvement]

Dakar Med. 1992;37(2):191-7.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Human cysticercosis is linked to infection by the larval stage of Taenia solium: Cysticercus cellulosae and was identified in Madagascar since 1901. Neurocysticercosis constitute, when parasite is localized in cerebral vesicles, a disease with important neurologic symptoms: epilepsia, spasms... This disease would be diagnosed before parasite calcification and this diagnosis permit Praziquantel treatment indication, with good results in many cases. We have developed cysticercosis diagnosis permitting: stage definition of the disease: Elisa and Western Blot tests, therapeutic following by enzyme immunoassay capture of serum cysticercosis antigens. We have observed: disease prevalence of 18% proving high rate of circulating parasite, in the countries studies, significative variation of circulating antigens and/or antibodies, one month after one or two Praziquantel treatment, in 82% of 130 patients. This disease seems to be important in Madagascar in neurologic syndromes, but the solution of this problem would result in prophylactic and concerted actions by public health means.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cysticercosis / diagnosis*
  • Cysticercosis / epidemiology
  • Cysticercosis / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Madagascar
  • Male
  • Nervous System Diseases / parasitology