Epidemiology of Taenia saginata taeniosis/cysticercosis: a systematic review of the distribution in the Middle East and North Africa

Abstract

Background: The zoonotic parasite Taenia saginata utilizes bovines as an intermediate host (causing cysticercosis) and humans as the definitive host (causing taeniosis). The public health burden of T. saginata is assumed to be low, but the economic burden is large, due to the resources utilized in the detection and condemnation of infected carcasses and carcass parts. As part of a collaborative effort to synthesize worldwide epidemiological data on this parasite, we present here the results of a systematic review on the distribution of T. saginata taeniosis and bovine cysticercosis in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Methods: Information on the occurrence and prevalence of T. saginata taeniosis and cysticercosis in the MENA region was obtained through a systematic review of published and grey literature, including OIE reports, published between January 1st, 1990 and December 31st, 2017. Results: A total of 63 publications were retrieved across the 21 MENA countries. Taenia saginata taeniosis was reported in 11 of these countries, whereas unspecified taeniosis was reported for a further seven. Microscopy-based prevalence values ranged between 0.02-8.6%. Bovine cysticercosis prevalence estimates based on meat inspection were only reported for Egypt and Israel, with prevalence data ranging between 0.2-20% and 0.1-9.1% for cattle and buffaloes, respectively. The presence of bovine cysticercosis could be confirmed for 10 additional countries through OIE reports. Conclusions: Human taeniosis occurrence was confirmed for 86% (18/21) of the countries in the MENA region, although in several of these countries the species responsible was not specified. Religious prohibitions on the consumption of pork and the limited extent of pig farming across much of this region, however, suggest that many reported taeniosis cases are likely to be attributable to T. saginata rather than Taenia solium or Taenia asiatica. There was a paucity of data regarding both the prevalence and economic impact of bovine cysticercosis. More detailed epidemiological data on both T. saginata taeniosis and bovine cysticercosis could be obtained by adopting an integrated "One Health" approach, considering the characteristics (e.g. ecosystem related and sociopolitical aspects) of the MENA region. Compared with more conventional approaches, this could lead to an enhanced performance and cost-effectiveness of surveillance systems.

Epidemiology of Taenia saginata taeniosis/cysticercosis: a systematic review of the distribution in West and Central Africa

“…Overall, the reported prevalence estimates of taeniosis were in line with those reported in eastern and southern Africa [12] and in the Americas [13], but higher than those reported in western and eastern Europe [9, 10]. In contrast to certain areas in eastern and southern Africa where consumption of raw beef is a culinary habit [12], traditional dishes in West and Central Africa include mainly stews with typically extended cooking times [29, 30], thereby decreasing the risk of exposure to viable T. saginata cysts. Three articles, however, reported very high taeniosis prevalence estimates, with 23% in primary schoolchildren [19], 33% in rural schoolchildren [17] and even 50% in pre-school-age children [20].…”

“…For the remaining regions no data were reported. These findings are in contrast to eastern and southern Africa which have similar lifestyles yet a remarkably higher coverage [12]. This difference might be partially explained by the presence of a large French speaking population in West and Central Africa, and therefore potentially published research in journals which were not detected completely by our search strategy, although we had included French search terms and some articles in French were included in the present study.…”

Epidemiology of Taenia saginata taeniosis/cysticercosis: a systematic review of the distribution in central and western Asia and the Caucasus

“…We generally found prevalences in both cattle and humans to be higher than that reported in western Europe [20] comparable with eastern Europe [21], South America [22] and the Middle East [12] but lower than in Africa [23]. This may be related to standards of sanitation and veterinary supervision of the slaughter of livestock.…”

“…The study focused on the region of central and western Asia and the Caucasus. It did not include countries traditionally regarded as Middle East countries or the Russian Federation as these countries are covered in accompanying articles [12, 13]. The study area did include the following countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.…”

Food and waterborne parasites in Africa - threats and opportunities

“…( Mas-Coma et al, 2019 ), Paragonimus spp. ( Cumberlidge et al, 2018 ), Taenia saginata ( Dermauw et al, 2018 ; Hendrickx et al, 2019 ; Saratsis et al, 2019 ), Toxocara spp. ( Omonijo et al, 2019 ), Trichinella spp.…”