SEROPREVALENCE OF CYSTICERCOSIS IN AN ORTHODOX JEWISH-COMMUNITY

Neurocysticercosis cases were identified in 1991 in an Orthodox Jewish community. Transmission was linked to tapeworm-infected immigrant hou sekeepers from countries where Taenia solium is endemic. To evaluate t he extent of and risks for locally acquired cysticercosis, a seropreva lence survey was conducted in 9% of the households in this community. Cysticercosis antibodies were detected in 23 (1.3%) of 1,789 persons f rom 612 families. All 23 seropositive persons were asymptomatic, and n o intracerebral lesions were found for the 21 seropositive persons who underwent brain imaging. Seropositivity was associated with female se x (relative risk [RR] = 2.45, P = 0.049), hiring a domestic worker for child care duties (RR = 3.79, P = 0.05), and with employees from Cent ral America (RR = 2.70, P = 0.0001). Exposure to T. solium in this com munity is unexpectedly high. Widespread employment of domestic workers from endemic regions and high employee turnover contributes to exposu re risk.