The Parasitological, Immunological, and Molecular Diagnosis of Human Taeniasis with Special Emphasis on Taenia solium Taeniasis

Abstract

Human neurocysticercosis, caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Taenia solium, is an important neurological disorder reported as a major cause of epilepsy. An important risk factor for neurocysticercosis is the presence of human T. solium carriers who, upon open defecation, disseminate tapeworm eggs, which are infective to both humans and pigs. In the latter, infection also results in cysticercosis, with associated health and economic consequences. Control of T. solium therefore, depends greatly on the accurate detection and treatment of carriers. However, the current available direct diagnostic tests depend on the detection, in feces, of either parasite stages or parasite antigens and genetic material. The former are low cost but lack adequate sensitivity and specificity; the latter too expensive to be routinely utilized in endemic communities. Indirect tests based on antibody detection may only show exposure and not active 2 infection. An ideal diagnostic test should be one that is low-cost and is able to quickly and reliably detect tapeworm carriers so appropriate treatment can be prescribed in order to eliminate the source of infection. Such a test remains elusive. Efforts should, therefore, be directed at the formulation of a test that is not only sensitive and specific but also affordable for use in endemic countries.

Effectiveness of an education-based control option for human cysticercosis

“…Another important factor hindering control of T solium is the absence of cheap and reliable diagnostic tools in affected communities. 6 Many reports have shown that the control of T solium requires a One Health approach bringing together the health and veterinary sectors.…”

Trial Design of a Prospective Multicenter Diagnostic Accuracy Study of a Point-of-Care Test for the Detection of Taenia solium Taeniosis and Neurocysticercosis in Hospital-Based Settings in Tanzania

“…At the district hospital level, the diagnosis of tapeworms can be performed using microscopy, but has a low sensitivity and fails to differentiate Taenia spp. Other methods, such as the copro-antigen ELISA, the recombinant antigen-based enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques are available but also have limitations in their performance, and are used only in research settings as laboratories at the district hospital level in Tanzania lack equipment, adequately trained experts, and infrastructure [ 6 ]. Moreover, differential diagnosis and the stigma associated with epilepsy further contribute to the challenges that district hospitals face [ 7 ].…”

A retrospective study of Taenia spp. in Cuban patients: what does molecular analysis tell us?

“…are morphologically identical, speciation is not possible if solely based on microscopic examination of eggs ( Mwape and Gabriël, 2014 ). Species can be indicated by inspection of gravid proglottids and counting of uterine branches, which can be improved by injecting black ink into the genital atrium to improve visualisation; however, overlap between the numbers of uterine branches from each species has been reported and thus there may be uncertainty ( Mwape and Gabriël, 2014 ). Species can also be determined by examination of the tapeworm scolex, as T. saginata does not have rostellar hooks, but these occur on the rostella of both T. solium and T. asiatica .…”