Direct Agglutination (DA) techniques, both, using dry blood samples in filter paper and serum samples, were compared with the ELISA test in order to detect antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii. The results show the validity of the dry blood samples in filter paper for detecting antitoxoplasma antibodies with a DA test. Our results would confirm their usefulness in field epidemiological surveys.

Agglutination Tests↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Seroepidemiology of toxoplasmosis in 2 communities of Rwanda (Central Africa)].

We collected dry blood specimens from two rural areas in Rwanda, that were tested for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii through the Direct Agglutination technique. 50% of the adults in both communities had antibodies to T. gondii. The Ngenda (NGD) population apparently acquired antibodies at a later stage of its life (only 12% were positive at 14 years of age). The Nyarutovu (NVU) population already showed a 31% positivity at the same age. We would like to point out the pathogenic role played by toxoplasmosis during pregnancy and the need of new studies about the epidemiology of the disease as well as the transmission mechanism in Rwanda.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[5 cases of cysticercosis in Rwanda].

Five cases of cysticercosis are reported. They were diagnosed by microscopic examination of the sub-cutaneous nodules in which T. Solium larvae were found. Results of the treatment by Praziquantel are reported, with regard to the symptomatology of the patients after one year of observation. Necrosis of cysticerci larvae few month after starting the treatment was observed in three cases by microscopical anatomy test. Three doses of Praziquantel of 20 mg/kg at four hours of interval are efficient against sub-cutaneous and muscular cysticercosis. Such a treatment presents the advantage very important in some rural zones in Africa, of a single dose in one day.

Adult↗