[Epidemiology of cysticercosis in Peru]

To determine the frequency and distribution of cysticercosis in Peru, we have reviewed the post mortem examinations of 12 years in the morgue in Lima (necropsies of persons apparently healthy, who died suddenly for different reasons) and in 11 hospitals: 6 in Lima (5 from adults and 1 from children) and from 5 hospitals from other cities located north and south of the capital. The material includes 50 000 necropsies and in those the frequency of cysticercosis was determined; its geographical distribution by states and regions and the frequency by age and sex. Comparison with other similar studies done in Latin America is made and prevalence determined. Frequency of porcine cysticercosis was determined in 82 452 animals killed in Lima in a 3 years period.

frequency of cysticercosis in Peru's hospitals is 1.15%, while in the morgue, which represents approximately what happens in general population in 0.15%. Prevalence is 450 for 100 000 inhabitants.