Serological detection of cysticercosis in two rural areas of South Africa

Abstract

Serological tests (ELISA) for cysticercosis were performed on groups of schoolchildren from two rural areas of Southern Africa, Ingwavuma in Northern KwaZulu and Isilimela in the Transkei. 22 of 736 Transkeian children were serologically positive while only 8 of 677 KwaZulu children were positive. These results, when corrected for the sensitivity and specificity of the test, indicate a cysticercosis prevalence of 2.49% in the Transkeian group and 0.23% in the KwaZulu group.