Taeniasis Cases Research Articles

Review on the Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Parasitic Zoonosis in Ethiopia: Taeniasis

Parasitic foodborne infections of humans may involve both protozoan and helminth species of internal parasites. The route of infection is normally consumption of the parasite’s natural hosts as a human food item. Taeniasis is a parasitic zoonotic disease caused by the adult stage of large tapeworms that live in the intestines of human hosts. Bovine cysticercosis is a food borne disease caused by Taenia saginata with humans as the final host and cattle as the intermediate host. Infection of human by Taenia saginata occurs through ingestion of raw or undercooked meat containing Cysticercus Bovis while; infection of cattle with Cysticercus Bovis occurs through ingestion of Taenia saginata eggs. The parasite population of these species consists of three distinct sub populations: adult Tapeworms in the definitive host (man), larvae (Cysticercus or metacestodes) in the intermediate host (pigs or cattle), and eggs in the environment. The most common causative agent in Ethiopia is the beef tapeworm, Taenia saginata, which has the cow as its intermediate host. The other tapeworm that can cause taeniasis (Taenia solium) has pigs as its intermediate host, but they are not so common in Ethiopia. Taeniasis due to beef tapeworm is highly prevalent in Ethiopia due to the widespread habit of eating raw beef (kitfo in Amharic, Figure 38.5) and poor sanitary conditions. Defaecation in open fields in grazing lands, disposal of raw human sewage in rivers and its use as a fertiliser, facilitate the spread of taeniasis. The highest cases of taeniasis are found in the towns of Northern and Eastern Ethiopia.

Development and Laboratory Evaluation of a Simple, Field-Applicable Coproantigen Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Diagnosis of Taeniasis in Northern Peru.

Coproantigen detection by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (coAg ELISA) is a vital tool for detecting and treating cases of Taenia solium taeniasis. However, the assay's procedures require costly materials and sophisticated equipment, which are typically inaccessible in rural settings where the disease is endemic. To overcome these barriers, we developed and evaluated a field-applicable coAg ELISA. The field coAg ELISA was developed and evaluated across four phases using known positive and negative stool samples collected from northern Peru. Phase I focused on field assay development, phase II on a small-scale performance evaluation, phase III on a large-scale evaluation, and phase IV on the use and reliability of a colorimetric scale card. All samples were processed using the field and standard assay procedures and compared using signal-to-noise ratios, correlation tests, performance characteristics, and agreement statistics where appropriate. The field coAg ELISA using reagents stored at -20°C and commercially available water and milk powder, and relying on spontaneous separation of the supernatant, had performance comparable to the standard assay. The field coAg ELISA was strongly correlated with the standard in both the small- and large-scale laboratory evaluation (r = 0.99 and r = 0.98, respectively). Finally, the field assay had an almost perfect agreement between independent readers (kappa = 0.975) and between each reader and the spectrophotometer. The field coAg ELISA demonstrated performance comparable to the standard, providing a low-cost alternative to the standard assay for identifying cases of intestinal taeniasis in a low-resource setting.

Why are tapeworm carriers so difficult to find? A methodological proposal for their search and recovery

Neurocysticercosis, caused by the larval stage of Taenia solium, is a life-threatening condition and the most severe form of the disease. Yet, despite being a required link in the parasite life cycle, tapeworm carriers are rarely reported. This study is aimed to find and evaluate T. solium carriers, describing some characteristics of these patients and the treatment. Taeniasis cases were searched for in various Mexican states from 1983 to 2016. Previous informed consent, tapeworm-carrier patients were administered with niclosamide and a saline purge. Parasite specimens were recovered and identified, both morphologically and by PCR. From 117 treated patients, Taenia sp. specimens were obtained from 46 subjects (47.8%). From these, complete parasites were recovered from 42 (90.5%), and only detached proglottids from 4 patients. Cases were more frequent in Morelos, Chiapas, and Guerrero. More than one adult cestode was recovered from 4 patients (9.5%). To improve treatment efficacy and adherence, the drug was administered in late afternoon, resulting a high recovery yield of complete parasites (90.5%). The success rate of deworming campaigns in areas of Mexico and the world that are endemic for Taenia sp. could be improved by administering the treatment at times that do not interfere with the patients’ daily activities, and national health authorities could apply this simple strategy to help eradication efforts in endemic areas. The detection of carriers will only be possible through the coordinated efforts of public and private health services, a better education of the general population to improve self-detection, and adequate, personalized diagnostic procedures for suspect cases.

Case Report: Molecular Diagnosis Revealing an Intestinal Infection of a Hybridized Tapeworm (Taenia saginata and Taenia asiatica) to Human in Yunnan, China

Human taeniasis caused by tapeworms is an intestinal disease prevalent in many countries around the world. Taenia asiatica, Taenia saginata, and Taenia solium are the most common pathogens causing human taeniasis. Among the three species of tapeworms, T. saginata and T. asiatica share high similarity in their genomes and have been reported to be capable of hybridization with each other. Here, we reported a case of an 18-year-old male patient hospitalized in Yunnan Province, China, in 2019. Due to long-lasting abdominal distension and white tapeworm segments in the feces, the patient was diagnosed with taeniasis. He was treated with traditional Chinese medicine, and a tapeworm approximately 2.7 m long was expelled. The morphology of the eggs and gravid proglottids of the tapeworm was observed. Interestingly, the tapeworm was identified as a hybrid between T. saginata and T. asiatica according to molecular and phylogenetic analyses. This case is the first documented case of human taeniasis caused by a T. saginata and T. asiatica hybrid in Yunnan Province. Molecular evidence suggests that the hybrid of T. saginata and T. asiatica may have caused widespread infection in rural areas of Western China, and further investigation and research on these parasites in Western China are needed. The method described in this case may be helpful for future research.

The influence of eroding Djallonke genotype on the incidence of diseases and mortalities in Sahelian x Djallonke cross-bred sheep.

Despite cross-breeding of Djallonke and Sahelian sheep due to the higher growth rate and final body weight of the Sahelian breeds over time, little scientific evidence exists on the ability of the crosses to withstand diseases compared to their Djallonke parents. A study involving 700 Djallonke and two crosses of the Djallonke and Sahelian breeds (50% Sahel × 50% Djallonke, 75% Sahel × 25% Djallonke) was conducted, and documented incidence of diseases, parasites and mortalities in these animals. Enteritis, Ehrlichia ruminantium and orf were more prevalent in 25% Djallonke than both 100% and 50% Djallonkes. Similarly, pneumonia was more prevalent in 50% Djallonkes, individuals of all age groups and females than all other genotypes, adults and males, respectively. Enteritis prevalence was also higher in lambs and males than animals of all age groups and females, respectively. Coccidiosis was more prevalent in individuals of all age groups and males, than lambs and females, respectively. More abscess and trauma cases were found in males than females. Higher levels of tapeworm and flea infestations were seen in lambs than weaners and adults. Conversely, more mange mite and tick infestations were seen in adults than weaners and lambs. Higher mortality rates were recorded in all other genotypes, lambs and females than in 100% Djallonke, all other age groups and males, respectively. Higher case fatality rate was recorded in haemoncosis than taeniasis cases. The Sahel x Djalloke crosses are more susceptible to infectious diseases and record higher mortality rates than the pure Djallonke genotypes.

Bovine cysticercosis in the State of São Paulo, Brazil: Prevalence, risk factors and financial losses for farmers

Taenia saginata is the causative agent of bovine cysticercosis (BCC) and human taeniasis, two diseases that have economical and public health importance, respectively. This research focused on determining BCC prevalence in the state of São Paulo state, Brazil, in the period of 2017–2019, as well as associating risk factors related to disease occurrence and estimate the economic impact to beef producers. Data from 6,277,758 bovine carcasses originating from 571 municipalities and 15 different mesoregions in the state of São Paulo was gathered and analyzed. Cysticerci were detected in a total of 88,700 carcasses at meat inspection, resulting in an apparent prevalence of 1.41 % (C.I. 95 % 1.40–1.42 %). BCC was widespread in this state and its spatial distribution varied in municipalities and mesoregions. The variable number of milking cows in the municipality was significantly associated (OR = 1.48, p = 0.00) with BCC cases, conversely, the presence of peasant’s settlements in the municipality was a protective factor (OR = 0.49, p = 0.02). Financial losses for cattle farmers were estimated at US$ 5,829,103.99. The results of this research show that there is still room for implementation of bovine cysticercosis control measures in endemic areas, aiming to reduce financial losses to farmers as well as reduction of human taeniasis cases in the population.

Swine cysticercosis and associated risk factors in non-technified pig breeding in semi-arid region of Sergipe state, Brazil.

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of Taenia solium anti-metacestode antibodies in slaughtered pigs in a semi-arid region of the "Alto Sertão" of Sergipe state, Brazil, and verify the risk factors associated with swine cysticercosis. For this, 230 samples of swine blood from two slaughterhouses were collected and analyzed by indirect ELISA. The pigs came from five non-technical properties in the semi-arid region of the Alto Sertão of Sergipe state. Searches for cysts in the skeletal muscles of the pigs were performed during slaughter. In addition, an epidemiological questionnaire was applied to the pigs' original properties to determine risk factors. Besides that, the official health services database was evaluated for confirmed cases of neurocysticercosis and taeniasis in humans in the last 5years, living in the studied region. Seropositivity in pigs was 12.6%, with no significant difference between males and females. No cysts were found in the carcasses of the slaughtered pigs. A positive association was found for properties that discharge domestic sewage into the environment, in river or streams, increasing the risk of positivity by 5.72 times. When analyzing the database of official agencies, there were no records of cases of neurocysticercosis or taeniasis in the resident population in the last 5years. However, there were frequent cases of idiopathic epilepsy. The results demonstrate that study area is endemic for swine cysticercosis and serves as a warning of the possibility of the occurrence of the taeniasis-cysticercosis complex.

Human taeniasis infection (Taenia saginata): a complex public health problem. Case report

Introduction: Taeniasis is a zoonosis that can be found worldwide. It is relatively easy to diagnose and its treatment is currently effective. This paper describes the follow-up of a case with persistent refractory taeniasis.Case description: A 31-year-old female patient, street-food seller, was diagnosed with taeniasis when she was 21 years old. Since she was diagnosed, multiple treatments were administered, including albendazole, secnidazole, pirantel pamoato and several metronidazole schemes, which resulted in a partial improvement of the symptoms. In 2018, she expelled a parasite of ~1 meter in length, later described as Taenia saginata; praziquantel was prescribed, but it is not available in Colombia. The patient was referred to the Parasitology Service, and based on her medical history and a scientific review of literature, nitazoxanide (500mg, twice a day, for 3 days) and albendazole (400mg per day, for 3 days) were administered, eliminating the infection and improving the patient’s quality of life.Discussion: This case exposes two important clinical aspects. The first is the difficulty of monitoring and treating taeniasis cases. The second is the presence of persistent refractory taeniasis cases.Conclusion: Secondary, tertiary and combination drugs are available for effective and safe treatment of taeniasis. However, there is a need to conduct further studies to achieve better diagnosis, prevention, education and control.

Cysticercosis and taeniasis cases diagnosed at two referral medical institutions, Belgium, 1990 to 2015.

BackgroundFew case reports on human infections with the beef tapeworm Taenia saginata and the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium, diagnosed in Belgium have been published, yet the grey literature suggests a higher number of cases.AimTo identify and describe cases of taeniasis and cysticercosis diagnosed at two Belgian referral medical institutions from 1990 to 2015.MethodsIn this observational study we retrospectively gathered data on taeniasis and cysticercosis cases by screening laboratory, medical record databases as well a uniform hospital discharge dataset.ResultsA total of 221 confirmed taeniasis cases were identified. All cases for whom the causative species could be determined (170/221, 76.9%) were found to be T. saginata infections. Of those with available information, 40.0% were asymptomatic (26/65), 15.4% reported diarrhoea (10/65), 9.2% reported anal discomfort (6/65) and 15.7% acquired the infection in Belgium (11/70). Five definitive and six probable cases of neurocysticercosis (NCC), and two cases of non-central nervous system cysticercosis (non-CNS CC) were identified. Common symptoms and signs in five of the definitive and probable NCC cases were epilepsy, headaches and/or other neurological disorders. Travel information was available for 10 of the 13 NCC and non-CNS CC cases; two were Belgians travelling to and eight were immigrants or visitors travelling from endemic areas.ConclusionsThe current study indicates that a non-negligible number of taeniasis cases visit Belgian medical facilities, and that cysticercosis is occasionally diagnosed in international travellers.

The epidemiology of Taenia spp. infection and Taenia solium cysticerci exposure in humans in the Central Highlands of Vietnam

BackgroundVietnam is endemic for taeniasis and T. solium cysticercosis. Despite this, information on the epidemiological characteristics of the diseases in the Central Highlands of Vietnam are poorly described. The aims of this study were to determine the epidemiological characteristics of taeniasis (Taenia spp.) and T. solium cysticerci exposure in humans in Dak Lak province in the Central Highlands, Vietnam.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was carried out in six villages in three districts of Dak Lak. A total of 190 households were visited. From each household, between one and five individuals were asked to donate a single faecal and blood sample and respond to a questionnaire. Serum samples were subjected to lentil lectin purified glycoprotein enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot assay to detect antibodies against T. solium cysticerci. Multiplex real-time PCR was used to detect Taenia spp. infection in faecal samples. A fixed-effects logistic regression model was developed to identify factors associated with the probability of Taenia spp. infection or T. solium cysticerci exposure risk. The contribution of each of identified factor was quantified using population attributable fractions.ResultsThe prevalence of seroexposure to T. solium in Dak Lak was 5% (95% CI 3% to 8%). Consumption of raw vegetables, sourcing drinking water from lakes, streams or ponds and the practice of outdoor defaecation were identified as primary risk factors for the prevalence of T. solium cysticerci exposure, while consuming undercooked pork and beef, pork tongue and observing Taenia proglottids in stool were associated with Taenia spp. infection. Consumption of raw vegetables attributed to 74% of T. solium cysticerci exposure-positive cases and consumption of undercooked beef attributed to 77% of taeniasis cases in these communities.ConclusionsThe prevalence of T. solium seroexposure in Dak Lak is consistent with those reported in other regions of Vietnam. The identified risk factors associated with the prevalence of T. solium seroexposure and taeniasis infection in Dak Lak are modifiable and thus advocate for targeted community intervention programs to mitigating these risks.

Taenia Saginata in Third-Generation Capsule Endoscopy

A 60-year-old woman presented with chronic abdominal pain and iron deficiency anemia (hemoglobin, 9.8 g/dL; ferritin, 8 μg/L). The patient was white, born in France, and had never traveled outside France. Initial endoscopic evaluation, with gastroscopy and colonoscopy, was normal. Gastroduodenal biopsies were also normal. Small bowel capsule endoscopy (Pillcam SB-III, Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland) diagnosed a Taenia saginata infection. The worm was found from the proximal jejunum, where young immature proglottids consisting of a chain of small segments wider than long were visible (Figure A). Then, the segments grow and stretch out gradually to become mature proglottids (Figure B). This Taenia was extended until the terminal ileum with gradual appearance of gravid proglottids, measuring about 20 mm long and 6 mm wide (Figure C and D). Mature and gravid proglottids are the reproductive structures of this hermaphrodite parasite; with inside male and female structures. On our images, some of these sexual structures are visible, in particular on the last gravid proglottids, with multiple lateral uterine branches (Figure C, blue arrow) and uterus (Figure D, black arrow). The parasite was visible on 75% of the transit time in the small bowel, estimating a size of 2–3 m. The prognosis was favorable after eradication of the Taenia by a single dose of praziquantel. On the Visual Diagnosis of Human Taeniasis by Capsule EndoscopyClinical Gastroenterology and HepatologyVol. 16Issue 7PreviewLe Mouel et al1 recently identified a case of human taeniasis caused by Taenia saginata by means of third-generation capsule endoscopy. The authors of the article provide 4 illustrative images of the tapeworm and, specifically, gravid proglottids containing a branched uterus are shown. Because after endoscopy no additional confirmatory diagnostic method is specified, we reckon that the images of this branched uterus were meaningful enough for the specific tapeworm identification. Capsule endoscopy is a diagnostic method with high sensitivity. Full-Text PDF

Updating Taenia asiatica in humans and pigs.

An epidemiological study on taeniasis and cysticercosis in northern India has recently updated the epidemiology of Taenia asiatica. Practically, all the detected cases of taeniasis were caused by T. asiatica, cited for the first time in humans in that country. The finding widens the geographical distribution of T. asiatica, a species wrongly considered an exclusive South-Eastern Asian parasite. Due to the introduction of molecular techniques in Taenia diagnosis, the species is slowly showing its true distribution. A human Taenia species with cosmopolitan hosts (the same as the other two Taenia species) but limited to a specific geographical area and not affected by globalisation would certainly be hard to believe. Regarding cysticercosis, there is a remarkable finding concerning T. asiatica pig cysticercosis, specifically the presence of the cysticercus of T. asiatica not only in the liver (its preferential infection site) but also in muscle. This is the first time that the cysticercus of T. asiatica has been found in muscle in a naturally infected pig. This fact is actually relevant since people are at a greater risk of becoming infected by T. asiatica than previously expected since the liver is no longer the only site of pig infection. The Taenia species causing Taenia saginata-like taeniasis around the world, as well as pig and human cysticercosis, should always be molecularly confirmed since T. asiatica could be involved.

Neurocysticercosis Diagnosed in a Patient with Taenia saginata Taeniasis after Administration of Praziquantel: A Case Study and Review of the Literature

Taeniasis, caused by infection with Taenia saginata or Taenia solium, occurs on Bali due to the consumption of undercooked beef and pork, respectively. Fieldwork conducted on Bali from 2002-2007, identified 69 taeniasis cases due to T. saginata. In August 2007, three T. saginata tapeworm carriers in the Gianyar district of Bali were treated with a single dose of praziquantel. Within a few hours of treatment, a 47 year old man had a seizure and was admitted to a hospital in the city of Denpasar. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed two cystic lesions in the man’s brain. Serology showed specific antibody responses to T. solium metacestode antigens. The patient was, therefore, diagnosed with a dual infection of T. solium neurocysticercosis (NCC) and T. saginata taeniasis. This case report is illustrative of the risk of veiled NCC in areas where T. saginata and T. solium are co-endemic. As globalization increases, the possibility of co-infections will continue to rise and researchers and physicians participating in mass drug administration programs will need to be vigilant in their monitoring for adverse effects.

Challenges and opportunities in detecting Taenia solium tapeworm carriers in Los Angeles County California, 2009–2014

Carriers of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium, are the sole source of neurocysticercosis, a parasitic tissue infection that can be chronic and severe. Identifying T. solium tapeworm carriers is challenging. Many are asymptomatic and go undetected and unreported. In addition, T. solium is difficult to distinguish from other Taenia species of less concern. From 2009 to 2014, 24 taeniasis cases were reported to the Los Angeles County (LAC) Department of Public Health. Twenty reports were received solely from our automated electronic laboratory reporting system (ELR), two from health care providers, and two were generated internally from investigation of households with a reported neurocysticercosis case. Further investigation identified one T. solium carrier originally reported by ELR and one identified from a neurocysticercosis case investigation. These results suggest that T. solium tapeworm carriers can be identified from investigation of ELR reports of unspeciated Taenia cases as well as from households of neurocysticercosis cases.

Epidemiology and management of cysticercosis and Taenia solium taeniasis in Europe, systematic review 1990-2011.

BackgroundCysticercosis is caused by the invasion of human or pig tissues by the metacestode larval stage of Taenia solium. In Europe, the disease was endemic in the past but the autochthonous natural life cycle of the parasite is currently completed very rarely. Recently, imported cases have increased in parallel to the increased number of migrations and international travels. The lack of specific surveillance systems for cysticercosis leads to underestimation of the epidemiological and clinical impacts.ObjectivesTo review the available data on epidemiology and management of cysticercosis in Europe.MethodsA review of literature on human cysticercosis and T. solium taeniasis in Europe published between 1990–2011 was conducted.ResultsOut of 846 cysticercosis cases described in the literature, 522 cases were autochthonous and 324 cases were imported. The majority (70.1%) of the autochthonous cases were diagnosed in Portugal from 1983 and 1994. Imported cases of which 242 (74.7%) diagnosed in migrants and 57 (17.6%) in European travellers, showed an increasing trend. Most of imported cases were acquired in Latin America (69.8% of migrants and 44.0% of travellers). The majority of imported cases were diagnosed in Spain (47.5%), France (16.7%) and Italy (8.3%). One third of neurosurgical procedures were performed because the suspected diagnosis was cerebral neoplasm. Sixty eight autochthonous and 5 imported T. solium taeniasis cases were reported.ConclusionsCysticercosis remains a challenge for European care providers, since they are often poorly aware of this infection and have little familiarity in managing this disease. Cysticercosis should be included among mandatory reportable diseases, in order to improve the accuracy of epidemiological information. European health care providers might benefit from a transfer of knowledge from colleagues working in endemic areas and the development of shared diagnostic and therapeutic processes would have impact on the quality of the European health systems.Key words: cysticercosis, neurocysticercosis, Taenia solium, taeniasis, Europe, travellers, migrants.

A Case of Taeniasis Diagnosed Postpartum

A case of postpartum taeniasis will be discussed along with the pathophysiology, proper treatment, potential risks, and prevention of taeniasis infections to the pregnant mother, her infant, and her family members. Taenia spp. infections are relatively rare in developed societies. Increasing immigration to developed countries and an expanding role of medical aid in developing countries will lead to an increase in the number of taeniasis cases seen by medical providers. Taenia solium and T. saginata are the most common species and can be differentiated by proglottids (a segment of a tapeworm containing both male and female reproductive organs) or scolex (the head of a tapeworm which attaches to the intestine of the definitive host). Both carry different risks when considering autoinfection and transmission. Cystercercosis caused by T. solium is a risk for neonates and is cause for immediate treatment of the mother. A 23-year-old new mother, originally from Ethiopia, passed T. strobili shortly after giving birth. Her pregnancy was complicated by limited prenatal care. She did not experience any symptoms related to tapeworm infection. The patient received treatment with praziquantel. With a possible future increase in the number of cases seen by health care providers, understanding the risks of Taenia sp. infection is important as proper treatment and education are needed to halt the life cycle of the tapeworm before more serious infection ensues.

Epidemiological survey of the taeniasis/cysticercosis complex in cattle farms in Viçosa County, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Despite the importance of human taeniasis/bovine cysticercosis for public and animal health and the economy, its actual epidemiological status in Brazil is not well-studied. We sought to assess the epidemiological profile of this zoonosis in the rural area of Viçosa County, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The prevalence of bovine cysticercosis was 0.42%, whereas no case of human taeniasis was diagnosed. Factors favoring the persistence of zoonosis were identified. These included the supply of untreated water to animals, animals raised for slaughter without sanitary supervision, poor mechanization of raising techniques, and the use of untreated water for human consumption. Bovine meat for human consumption acquired in the city or from the farm itself was characterized as a risk factor for bovine cysticercosis (Odds Ratio (OR) =16.77; p<0.05). Nevertheless, the families on the investigated farms did apply several appropriate measures to control this disease, such as the virtual lack of open sewers and the consumption of well-cooked meat. The presence of bovine cysticercosis cases, and the factors favoring its persistence, point to the need for constant epidemiological and sanitary surveillance in this county.

Human Taeniasis in the Republic of Korea: Hidden or Gone?

History and current status of human taeniasis in the Republic of Korea, due to Taenia solium, Taenia asiatica, and Taenia saginata, are briefly reviewed. Until the 1980s, human taeniasis had been quite common in various localities of Korea. A study from 1924 reported 12.0% egg prevalence in fecal examinations. Thereafter, the prevalence of Taenia spp. ranged from 3% to 14% depending on the time and locality. Jeju-do, where pigs were reared in a conventional way, was the highest endemic area of taeniasis. An analysis of internal transcribed spacer 2 and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 genes of 68 taeniasis cases reported from 1935 to 2005 in Korea by a research group revealed the relative occurrence of the 3 Taenia spp. as follows: T. solium (4.4%), T. asiatica (75.0%), and T. saginata (20.6%). However, national surveys on intestinal helminths conducted every 5 years on randomly selected people revealed that the Taenia egg prevalence dropped from 1.9% in 1971 to 0.02% in 1997 and finally to 0.0% in 2004. With the exception of 3 egg-positive cases reported in 2008 and 2 worm-proven cases in 2011, no more cases have been officially recorded. Based on these surveys and also on other literature, it can be concluded that taeniasis has virtually disappeared from Korea, although a few sporadic cases may remain hidden. Human cysticercosis is also expected to disappear within a couple of decades in Korea.

Prevalência do complexo teníase-cisticercose na zona rural de Matias Barbosa-MG

The taeniasis-cysticercosis complex is an important disease to the public and animal health. The man plays an important role in the life cycle, because he is the unique definitive host. The adult forms of the Taenia solium or Taenia saginata holds in gut , and the larvae forms develops in the muscle of cattle and swine, respectively. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of the taeniasis-cysticercosis complex transmission in rural area of Matias Barbosa – MG, Brazil. Catla and swine lood and human stool samples were collected from 74 farms. Cisticercosis were eniasis were diagnosis serological methods and the teniasis by direct microscopy. Moreover, a questionnaire was applied about the sanitary conditions of the animals and people envolved, food habits and housing. This research indicated the prevalence of 0,9 % of cysticercosis bovine in the rural area of Matias Barbosa. Cases of cysticercosis swine and taeniasis were not found. Some risk factors for taeniasis-cysticercosis complex transmission in the municipality were identified and discussed. Despite the low predominance of bovine cysticercosis found in Matias Barbosa, it is necessary to maintain measures to control the taeniasis-cysticercosis complex to prevent causing increased cases of the zoonosis,considering that some risk factors favorable to their emergence were found.

Usefulness of pumpkin seeds combined with areca nut extract in community-based treatment of human taeniasis in northwest Sichuan Province, China

Taeniasis refers to the infection with adult tapeworms of Taenia spp. in the upper small intestine of humans, which is also a cause of cysticercosis infection in either both humans and/or animals. Currently the most commonly applied anthelminthics for treatment of taeniasis are praziquantel and niclosamide. Praziquantel is very effective, but has the risk of induction of epileptic seizures or convulsions in carriers with asymptomatic concurrent neurocysticercosis. In contrast, niclosamide is safe and effective, but is not readily available in many endemic countries including China. In the current community-based study, we assessed the curative effect of either pumpkin seeds or areca nut extract alone in taeniasis, and also looked at synergistic effects of these two herb drugs on tapeworms. In the study group with the pumpkin seed/areca nut extract treatment, 91 (79.1%) of 115 suspected taeniasis cases (with a history of expulsion of proglottids within the previous one year) released whole tapeworms, four (3.5%) expelled incomplete strobila, and no tapeworms or proglottids were recovered in the remaining 20 cases. In these 115 persons, 45 were confirmed as taeniasis before treatment by microscopy and/or coproPCR. Forty (88.9%) of 45 confirmed cases eliminated intact worms following treatment. The mean time period for complete elimination of tapeworms in 91 taeniasis cases was 2h (range 20min to 8h 30min), and 89.0% (81) of 91 patients discharged intact worms within 3h after drug administration. In Control Group A with treatment of pumpkin seeds alone, 75.0% (9/12) of confirmed taeniasis cases expelled whole tapeworms, but the mean time period for complete elimination was about 14h 10min (range 3h 20min to 21h 20min), which was much longer than that (2h) for the study group, whereas in Control Group B treated with areca nut extract alone, only 63.6% (7/11) of taeniasis cases discharged whole tapeworms, and the mean time period was 6h 27min (range 1–22h). Mild side effects included nausea and dizziness in about 46.3% of patients with the pumpkin seeds/areca nut extract treatment, but all discomforts were transient and well tolerated. In conclusion, a synergistic effect of pumpkin seed and areca nut extract on Taenia spp. tapeworms was confirmed in the current study, primarily in producing an increased rate of effect on tapeworm expulsion (average time 2h for combination vs 6–21h for individual extracts). The pumpkin seed/areca combined treatment was indicated to be safe and highly effective (89%) for human taeniasis.