Epidemiology of intestinal taeniasis in four, rural, Guatemalan communities

There is relatively little epidemiological information on human intestinal taeniasis, particularly that due to Taenia solium. The current study involved analysis of data collected from four, rural communities in the Department of Jutiapa, Guatemala, between 1991 and 1994. Overall, 92 cases of intestinal taeniasis were identified, giving a mean prevalence of 2.7% (92/3399). Almost all (98%) of the 56 worms identified to species level were T. solium. Female subjects were significantly more likely to be infected than males, with a relative risk of 1.21 (95% confidence interval = 1.04-1.42; P<0.04). Mean prevalence rose with age until the 30-39-year age cohort and declined thereafter. Cases were significantly clustered in households (P<0.001). Most infections appeared to correspond to single worms. Only one multiple-worm infection was definitely detected, in an individual with at least seven T. solium tapeworms, all of which appeared to be sexually immature. To determine potential movements of infected subjects out of the villages, adult subjects in two of the villages were asked about their main place of employment; 9.7% (94/968) were recorded as working either in Guatemala City or the U.S.A. The possible epidemiological implications of these findings are discussed.