Knowledge, attitudes and practices related to Taenia solium cysticercosis and taeniasis in Tanzania

Abstract

Background Taenia solium cysticercosis/taeniasis (TSCT) is reported to be endemic in pig producing areas around the world, causing significant disease burden and economic losses. Methods This cross-sectional study aimed at assessing Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) regarding TSCT in four districts, namely Mbulu, Mpwapwa, Mbinga, and Rungwe in Tanzania. Data on KAP were collected through questionnaire-based interviews and household infrastructure observations. Results Knowledge about porcine cysticercosis was good, particularly among pig keepers across the districts. Many participants had heard about the pork tapeworm (T. solium taeniasis), and the knowledge about signs/symptoms and treatment was fair, but the means of transmission and prevention measures were often unknown. Whilst most participants were familiar with epilepsy, no one knew anything about human cysticercosis and the link between cysticercosis and epileptic seizures. A similar trend is reflected through the attitudes toward the low risk perception of cysticercosis infection. Not surprisingly, the risk perception of the infection with the pork tapeworm was low too. Many participants reported not washing their hands before eating or after using the toilet which highlights potential risks for the development of human cysticercosis. Albeit nearly every participant reported using the toilet always, household observations revealed that toilets were either lacking or had no complete walls. Generally, household observations revealed a discrepancy between questionnaire answers on the one hand and the availability of toilet and handwashing facilities and the confinement of pigs on the other hand. Conclusion This study demonstrates knowledge gaps and adverse practices which may hinder and/or slow down the control/elimination of T. solium in endemic countries. The study results are also useful for appropriate designing of TSCT health interventions that need to be planned carefully, taking into account the local context and designing TSCT in partnership with the local communities from the beginning to the end applying a One Health approach to allow the possible sustained and best impacts. Graphical Abstract

Knowledge and misconceptions about epilepsy among people with epilepsy and their caregivers attending mental health clinics: A qualitative study in Taenia solium endemic pig‐keeping communities in Tanzania

“…Poor knowledge and misconceptions about epilepsy and T. solium have been documented by previous studies carried out in different areas of Tanzania including hardto-reach communities. 30,31,27 Some of the studies were carried out over 10 years ago, and our study suggests that little has changed since then in terms of general knowledge and perceptions regarding epilepsy.…”

“…[24][25][26] Furthermore, studies exploring the understanding of T. solium yielded limited knowledge of this as a cause of epilepsy and high levels of misconceptions. 27,28 The present study aimed to further determine the epilepsy-related knowledge, perceptions, and experiences among PWE and their caregivers attending mental health clinics in T. solium endemic areas of Tanzania.…”

A Marked Decline in Taenia solium Taeniasis and Cysticercosis Infections in China: Possible Reasons from the Ecological Determinants Perspective

“…Pork contaminated with cysticercus is a major source of T. solium taeniasis and cysticercosis in humans [38]. Meat inspection of pigs at slaughter is an important public health measure to prevent T. solium transmission to humans [39,40]. Meat inspection during pig slaughter has also been implemented in China as a crucial public health precaution [19].…”

Effects of Cysticercus cellulosae Excretory–Secretory Antigens on the TGF-β Signaling Pathway and Th17 Cell Differentiation in Piglets, a Proteomic Analysis

“…Patients often have seizures, accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and disturbance of consciousness [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. T. solium causes mutual infection between humans and pigs, leading to a vicious circle that poses significant risk to human public health safety and animal husbandry [ 4 , 5 ].…”