We performed a survey for
taeniasis and
cysticercosis among persons living in a Mexican village where
Taenia solium infection in pigs was known to be enzootic. A standardized questionnaire was administered in all 577 households to obtain medical histories and information on demographic and environmental factors and on risk factors associated with transmission of
infection. Serum and/or stool specimens were obtained from 1005 volunteers and examined for
cysticercosis antibodies and intestinal parasites. Faecal examination of 828 participants revealed
infection by Taenia sp. in 2 (0.2%). Three additional cases of
taeniasis were detected in individuals who evacuated proglottids
after treatment with
praziquantel. Of 1005 human serum specimens, 49 (4.9%) were positive in the
cysticercosis immunoblot assay. Seropositivity increased with age and reached a peak in subjects aged 46-55 years (P < 0.05). A history of
seizures was significantly associated with seropositivity (P < 0.05); approximately 25% of persons with such histories were seropositive. Histories of
headache,
dizziness, trembling, blurred vision, and
vomiting were also significantly associated with positive immunoblot assays. This study has demonstrated previously undiagnosed morbidity associated with T. solium
neurocysticercosis and identified community behavioural and environmental practices that must be modified to prevent continued transmission of
cysticercosis and
taeniasis.