Retrospective Study on Prevalence of Human Taeniasis in Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted at Mekelle from November 2013 to March 2014 on the basis of  questionnaire survey with the main objective of determining the prevalence of taeniasis in human. It also estimates the cost of taeniasis treatment in Mekelle town. A retrospective data on human taeniasis was collected from health centers and inventory of Pharmacy shops in Mekelle town. Out of the total 75 respondents, 46 (61.3%) had contracted Taenia (T) saginata infection and there was significant difference (p<0.05) with religious groups and different levels of raw meat consumers (P=0.000).  An-overall prevalence of human taeniasis was 0.56% (193/34, 310). An inventory of pharmacy shops revealed a total of 22,412 adult taeniacidal drug doses worth 95,700 Eth. Birr (4958.5 USD) were sold during the year 2012-2013. Based on the response of pharmacists at 48 different pharmacy shops, 40 (83.33%)  were from rural areas as compared to urban dwellers(16.7%). Niclosamide and Prazequantel are the only drugs used for treatment of human taeniasis in the study area and  Niclosamide was preferred over Prazequantel. Taeniasis is resulted by consumption of raw beef. Therefore,  due attention is needed to spread mass awareness in public  and there is strict need for routine meat inspection. Keywords : Health centers; Pharmacy shop; Prevalence; Taeniasis; Mekelle, Ethiopia.