[Epidemiologic survey of the cysticercosis endemic on Réunion Island]

The high incidence of cysticercosis was underestimated in Reunion Island before computed tomography (January, 1984). In 1974, Soulayrolles et Boyer-Vidal found that cysticercosis was responsible for 0.5 p. 100 of the cases of epilepsy. In hospitalized people, routine cranial and muscles radiographies detected: 1/among 242 epileptics: 183 men: 36 positive (19.67 p. 100); 59 women: 9 positive (15.25 p. 100), 2/among 166 non epileptic-related neurological disorders: 106 men, 6 positive (5.66 p. 100), 60 women: 6 positive (8.33 p. 100); 3/among 219 hospitalized patients with no neurological diseases: 124 men: 18 positive (14.5 p. 100), 95 women: 2 positive (2.10 p. 100). The clinical features of cysticercosis are so various that it appears impossible to define a typical clinical presentation. On the other hand the diagnosis is easy with CT scan and a serodiagnostic test (Elisa). In 98 patients, clinical symptoms and signs, CT scan and serology (Elisa) have been evaluated. Praziquantel was introduced in 1984 with good results as judged by serial CT scans. A human and animal investigation has been set up to define more clearly the relationship between the human parasitosis and rearing of domestic pigs to try to eradicate human and animal cysticercosis in Reunion Island.