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In countries where cysticercosis is endemic,the proportion of epilepsy due to cysticercosis is not well documented.To investigate the association between cysticercosis and epilepsy,we used the enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot(EITB)assay to detect serum antibodies to Taenia solium in 498 consecutive outpatients at a neurology clinic in Lima,Peru. Every patient was classified as epileptic(n=189)or non-epileptic(n=309) after neurologic,and where possible electroencephalographic,examination.A substantially higher proportion of epileptic than non-epileptic patients was seropositive in the EITB(22[12%]vs 8[3%],p<0.001).19%of epileptic patients born outside Lima,20%of those with late-onset epilepsy,and 29%of patients with both these characteristics were seropositive.Thus,in Peru, cysticercosis is an important aetiological factor for epilepsy. |
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