[Epidemiological study on taeniasis and cysticercosis in Shandong Province]

To investigate current epidemiological status of Taenia solium infection and cysticercosis in Shandong Province.

By house to house interview in the field, fecal examination and serological tests, the prevalence data of taeniasis and cysticercosis in human and pig population, and epidemiological factors in relation to the diseases were carried out.

The prevalence of Taenia infection and cysticercosis in human population were 0.048% and 0.057% respectively. The sero-positive rate of the specific IgG4 of anti-Cysticercus was 1.91%. The prevalence differed among occupations and from region to region, but there was no significant difference between men and women, city and suburb. Unhealthy eating and unhygienic habits commonly practised among residents, 92.3% of the families have "latrines connected to pigsties". The surrounding sanitation and the disposal of fecal material were poor. The detection rate of porcine cysticercosis was 0.06%, and the positive rate of anti-Cysticercus antibody in pigs was 1.99%.

The prevalence of taeniasis and cysticercosis is decreasing. However, the endemic area is expanding and the epidemiological factors are still existing. Continued effort is therefore needed for sustain the control programme.