Force-of-infection of Taenia solium porcine cysticercosis: a modelling analysis to assess global incidence and prevalence trends

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) called, in 2012, for a validated strategy towards Taenia solium taeniasis/cysticercosis control and elimination. Estimating pig force-of-infection (FoI, the average rate at which susceptible pigs become infected) across geographical settings will help understand local epidemiology and inform effective intervention design. Porcine cysticercosis (PCC) age-prevalence data (from 15 studies in Latin America, Africa and Asia) were identified through systematic review. Catalytic models were fitted to the data using Bayesian methods, incorporating uncertainty in diagnostic performance, to estimate rates of antibody seroconversion, viable metacestode acquisition, and seroreversion/infection loss. There was evidence of antibody seroreversion across 5 studies, and of infection loss in 6 studies measured by antigen or necropsy, indicating transient serological responses and natural resolution of infection. Concerted efforts should be made to collect robust data using improved diagnostics to better understand geographical heterogeneities in T. solium transmission to support post-2020 WHO targets.

Spatial distribution and risk factors for human cysticercosis in Colombia

“…Currently, country-wide data on the transmission of T. solium , such as those analysed here for Colombia, are scarce, and thus there is a great deal of work to be done to identify hyperendemic areas in which to implement intensified interventions. Moreover, although working definitions of ‘hyperendemicity’ have been proposed [ 57 ], there is not yet a consensus on the definition of endemicity levels for T. solium infection. Geostatistical approaches will play an important role in identifying areas of high transmission, particularly if they can be parameterized to identify likely areas of high transmission using Geographical Information System (GIS) data that have comprehensive global coverage.…”

Cardiac cysticercosis and neurocysticercosis in sudden and unexpected community deaths in Lusaka, Zambia: a descriptive medico-legal post-mortem examination study

“…There are several notable findings from our study. Although cysticercosis is widespread globally [WHO 2021., CDC 2021., Dixon et al,2020., Sorvillo and DeGiorgio C., 2020., Sorvillo et al, 2011., Phiri et al, 2003., Schantz PM et al,1988., Garcia and Del Brutto, 2005, autopsy data regarding sudden and unexpected community deaths due to cardiac cysticercosis are scarce. First, to our knowledge, this is the first and largest case series reporting 9 cases of cysticercosis as an incidental finding at autopsy in sudden unexpected deaths in the community subjected to forensic investigations.…”

“…Cysticercosis caused by the pig tapeworm Taenia solium (T. solium) remains an important parasitic zoonotic disease affecting men and women equally across all age groups worldwide [Dixon et al,2020., Sorvillo and DeGiorgio C., 2020., Sorvillo et al, 2011., Phiri et al, 2003., Schantz PM et al,1988., Garcia and Del Brutto, 2005. Human cysticercosis occurs when food or water contaminated with T. solium ova are ingested [WHO, 2021].…”

Prevalence of Porcine Cysticercosis in India: A Meta-Analysis

“…Taenia solium infection is considered endemic for tropical and sub-tropical countries from Asia, Africa, South and Central America regions (Coral-Almeida et al 2015; Dixon et al 2020). The disease is unique in itself where taeniasis is manifested as an intestinal disease and is caused by accidental ingestion of viable T. solium cysticercus.…”