A programme to control taeniasis-cysticercosis (T. solium): experiences in a Mexican village

A study was carried out in a rural community of the state of Guerrero in order to find ways to control human taeniasis/cysticercosis (Taenia solium). At the beginning of the study the frequency of porcine cysticercosis was established to be around 6.6%. Fecal examination in the human population showed that of 760 persons, 24 were carriers of Taenia sp (3%). Of 440 human sera tested for antibodies against cysticercus cellulosae, 9 showed absorbance values of 0.2 or higher (2.3%). 900 persons received treatment against taeniasis. 400 soil samples and 600 flies were examined for the presence of eggs of Taenioae, all with negative results. Meetings with the adult population were organized to explain the disease and the life cycle of the parasite. Lectures and demonstrations for adults were given at the school for primary and secondary grade children. Special emphasis was given to the need to construct latrines in every home, as it was found that defaecation was practiced mainly in the open, usually at places where pigs had immediate access and ingested the faeces. One year after the initiation of the programme, pigs under the age of 1 year were inspected, to determine whether the cestocide treatment of humans has had an effect on the degree of parasitized pigs and if hygiene had improved. 11% of these animals were found to have cysticerci in their tongue. Two years after the initiation of the programme 78% of the children and 2% of adults answered questions about the lifecycle of the parasite correctly. The results of the trial are discussed and suggestions for future programmes are made.