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

Abstract

Background Few 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. Aim To identify and describe cases of taeniasis and cysticercosis diagnosed at two Belgian referral medical institutions from 1990 to 2015. Methods In 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. Results A 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. Conclusions The current study indicates that a non-negligible number of taeniasis cases visit Belgian medical facilities, and that cysticercosis is occasionally diagnosed in international travellers.

Spectrum of Helminth Infections in Migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa to Europe: A Literature Review

“…A few cases of neurocysticercosis (NCC), the infection with the cystic larvae of Taenia solium in the brain, meninges, and spinal cord, were described, but there was no systematic screening for the disease. 20,48,49 Echinococcosis. Echinococcosis, or hydatid disease (caused by Echinococcus granulosus), was only reported very sporadically in migrants from SSA.…”

“…62 Unfortunately, in most of the studies, it was not clear whether the pathogen found in the stool was T. solium or T. saginata, because ova are indistinguishable in standard microscopy. 49,63,64 Hookworm, T. trichiura and A. lumbricoides, were found more commonly, but they often produce little morbidity. They also have a limited life span, so their prevalence decreases with the length of stay in the host country, and transmission is interrupted because of better hygienic conditions.…”

Parkinsonism Secondary to Hydrocephalus Caused by Neurocysticercosis

“…Central nervous system infection in humans occurs when the individual accidentally ingests Taenia solium eggs, or when the larval stage has an affinity for the central nervous system tissue, causing NC [3]. NC can present several clinical manifestations according to the type, quantity and location of cysticerci in the nervous system.…”

“…NC can present several clinical manifestations according to the type, quantity and location of cysticerci in the nervous system. Common clinical manifestations of NC include epileptic seizures, cysticercotic meningitis, dementia, obstructive hydrocephalus and, more rarely, parkinsonism [3,4].…”

Intestinal helminthic infections: a narrative review to guide the hepatogastroenterologist

“…To date, no gastroenterological association endorses guidelines on the diagnostic approach of suspected intestinal helminthic infections based on the clinical presentation and/or an individual's migration history. common species with a cosmopolitan distribution, which are therefore endemic in the Western world, are Echinococcus (especially multilocularis), Entero-bius, Toxocara, Trichinella and Taenia (12)(13)(14)(15)(16).…”