Mass treatment against human taeniasis for the control of cysticercosis: a population-based intervention study
✍ Scribed by E. Sarti; P.M. Schantz; G. Avila; J. Ambrosio; R. Medina-Santillán; A. Flisser
- Publisher
- Elsevier Science
- Year
- 2000
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 673 KB
- Volume
- 94
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 0035-9203
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✦ Synopsis
An intervention study with mass treatment against taeniasis to prevent neurocysticercosis due to Tuenia solium in a rural community in Mexico was performed in 199 l-96. Information and biological samples were obtained at the beginning of the study, at 6 months and at 42 months after mass treatment with praziquantel at a single dose of 5 mg/kg. Prevalence rates of taeniasis were measured by the detection of Taenia coproantigens and Taenia eggs in faeces; neurocysticercosis was suggested by clinical data and by serum antibodies in humans and also in swine. A reduction of 53% after 6 months and of 56% after 42 months for human taeniasis was seen after treatment. Late-onset general seizures decreased 70%. Anti-cysticercus antibodies in the human nonulation were reduced bv 75% after 42 months. Antibodies in nips also showed a significant reduction of&5S% after 6 months. In conclusion, an impact of mass chemoiherapy against taeniasis to control cysticercosis in the short and long term was demonstrated. Praziquantel for tapeworm treatment should not be given at doses lower than 10 mg/kg. Late-onset convulsive crisis and specific antibodies are good indicators of neurocysticercosis and of exposure to the parasite, respectively.