High prevalence of Taenia solium cysticerosis in a village community of Bas-Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo

Cysticercosis results from tissue infection with the larval stage of the pig tapeworm Taenia solium. Infection of the brain may cause neurocysticercosis, the most frequent cause of acquired epilepsy in developing countries. Information on human cysticercosis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is scarce and outdated. We believe this is the first reported study on human cysticercosis and epilepsy in a village community of DRC. The proportion of villagers seropositive by ELISA for T. solium circulating antigen was 21.6%, the highest figure reported to date. The adjusted prevalence of active epilepsy in the community was 12.7 in 1,000.

Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (231 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Cysticercosis is a neglected disease, particulary in sub-Saharan Africa.
► Data on human cysticercosis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are scarce and outdated.
► A community survey on human cysticercosis in the DRCongo was conducted.
► The 21.6% prevalence of Taenia solium antigen is the highest ever reported for humans.
► The adjusted prevalence of active epilepsy in the community was 12.7 in 1,000.