Abstract

FLOREZ SANCHEZ, Astrid Carolina et al. Cysticercosis in Colombia. Seroprevalence study 2008-2010. Acta Neurol Colomb. [online]. 2013, vol.29, n.2, pp.73-86. ISSN 0120-8748.

Introduction: complex Taeniasis / Cysticercosis (T/C) is a parasitic infection that represents a major health problem in Colombia and other cou¬ntries. Prevalence of Cysticercosis has not been determined in our population. Objective: the aim of this research was to determinate the prevalence of Cysticercosis in Colombian general population and to identify the main environmental risks, socioeconomic, cultural and lifestyle factors associated to Cysticercosis. Materials and Methods: by mean of ELISA serological test we identified the prevalence of IgG antibodies anti cisticercus in 23 Colombian departments including the capital city. A total of 29.360 blood samples were analyzed at the section of parasitology at the Instituto Nacional de Salud in Bogotá, Colombia. Results: the overall prevalence was 8.55%, the highest was presented in the department of Vaupés (40.19%) and the lowest in the department of Caldas (0.53%). The higher prevalence was observed in adults in the age group of 18-44 years (5.10%) with a mean age of 37 years. The multivariate analysis of risk factors showed increased possibilities for a positive test in women (OR = 1.60 CI 1.40 to 1.90) p <0.05, eating unwashed vegetables (OR = 44.80 CI 5.00 to 401.40) p <0.05. Not having washed hands after using the restroom and having used the toilet did not have statistic significance (OR = 1.37 CI 0.70 to 2. 70) Conclusions: in Colombian general populations there is a wide rank of prevalence for Cisticercus sero- positivity (0.53% to 40.19%). Main risk factors for sero positivity were female gender and eating uncooked vegetables.

Keywords : Cysticercosis; Neurocysticercosis; Prevalence; Seroprevalence; Population Surveillance; Epidemiologic Survillance Service.

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