Neurocysticercosis-related mortality in Brazil, 2000–2011: Epidemiology of a neglected neurologic cause of death

• We present epidemiological patterns of 1829 neurocysticercosis-related deaths in Brazil during 2000–2011.
• The highest death burden was observed among males, elderly, white race/colour and residents in endemic states/regions.
• Age-adjusted mortality rates presented a significant decreasing trend in Brazil over the period.
• We identified spatial and spatiotemporal high-risk mortality clusters located mainly in areas considered endemic.
• Neurocysticercosis is a neglected and preventable cause of death in Brazil, with considerable regional differences.

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is an important cause of severe neurological disease mainly in low- and middle-income countries, but data on NCC mortality from endemic areas are scarce. Here we analysed the epidemiological patterns of NCC-related mortality in Brazil. We included all deaths recorded in Brazil between 2000 and 2011, in which NCC was mentioned on death certificates, either as underlying or as associated cause of death. NCC was identified in 1829/12,491,280 deaths (0.015%), 1130 (61.8%) as underlying cause, and 699 (38.2%) as associated cause. Overall age-adjusted mortality rate for the period was 0.97 deaths/1,000,000 inhabitants (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.83–1.12). The highest NCC-related mortality rates were found in males, elderly, white race/colour and residents in endemic states/regions. Age-adjusted mortality rates at national level decreased significantly over time (annual percent change [APC]: −4.7; 95% CI: −6.0 to −3.3), with a decrease in the Southeast, South and Central-West regions, and a non-significant increasing trend in the North and Northeast regions. We identified spatial and spatiotemporal high-risk mortality clusters located mainly in NCC-endemic areas. Conditions related to the nervous system were the most commonly associated causes of death when NCC was mentioned as an underlying cause, and HIV/AIDS was the main underlying cause when NCC was an associated cause. NCC is a neglected and preventable cause of severe neurologic disease and death with high public health impact in Brazil. There is a clear need to strengthen nationwide epidemiological surveillance and control for the taeniasis/cysticercosis complex.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideEpidemiological patterns, time trends and geographical distribution of neurocysticercosis-related deaths in Brazil are presented over a 12-year study period.