Considerations on teniasis and cysticercosis in municipalities of the Jiquiriçá Valley, Bahia

Abstract

Teniasis and cysticercosis are parasitic diseases with serious repercussions on public health, caused by parasites Taenia solium and T. saginata. The objective was to verify the explanation in textbooks about teniasis and cysticercosis and their approaches by the professors of Sciences and Biology to their students. Data were analyzed on the occurrence of teniasis and cysticercosis in the Health Secretaries of municipalities of Vale do Jiquiriçá, Bahia. An interview was also conducted with teachers from Elementary School II and High School of the public schools of the municipalities of Bahia: Jiquiriçá, Mutuípe and Ubaíra. In addition, bibliographic research was carried out in textbooks used in schools. It was verified that there is no record of the prevalence of teniasis and cysticercosis in the municipalities investigated. Regarding the approach of these infections in Basic Education, it was noticed that the teachers need the complementation of the content, because in the textbooks the approaches are succinct, although they can cover the main characteristics of these diseases. Interaction among health professionals and education professionals is suggested for prevention and combat with better results.

Keywords

• teniasis. cysticercosis. education. prevention