[Cysticercosis in the port of Mahajanga: more frequent than we thought!].

Abstract

A seroepidemiological survey was carried out in July 1999 to assess the prevalence of cysticercosis in general population in the Mahajanga City (West of Madagascar). Blood specimens were collected from a randomised sample including 626 individuals more than 2 years old. ELISA and confirmative immunoblot techniques (EITB) were used to measure Cysticercus cellulosae antibodies. The overall prevalence by ELISA test was 19% (15.8-22.7% CI95%). Among positive cases, 87% were also positive by EITB. Cysticercosis is considered as major health problem in Madagascar. A national control programme implementation is imperative.