Prevalence and factors associated with human Taenia solium taeniosis and cysticercosis in twelve remote villages of Ranomafana rainforest, Madagascar

A high prevalence of Taenia solium infections, including cysticercosis with viable cysts, was identified in twelve remote villages surrounding Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar. The study revealed that nearly 28% of participants tested positive for anti-cysticercal antibodies, with a 12.4% prevalence of circulating cysticercal antigens indicating active infections. Key risk factors included open defecation and living in households with more than four people, while females and those using river water as a source were less likely to have viable cysts. The research employed a community-based cross-sectional survey, combining stool and serum sample analysis with PCR sequencing and ELISA assays to characterize Taenia species and detect cysticercal antibodies or antigens.

Rahantamalala, A., Rakotoarison, R. L., Rakotomalala, E., Rakotondrazaka, M., Kiernan, J., Castle, P. M., Hakami, L., Choi, K., Rafalimanantsoa, A. S., Harimanana, A., Wright, P., Grandjean Lapierre, S., Schoenhals, M., Small, P. M., Marcos, L. A., & Vigan-Womas, I. (2022). Prevalence and factors associated with human Taenia solium taeniosis and cysticercosis in twelve remote villages of Ranomafana rainforest, Madagascar. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 16(4), e0010265. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0010265