Taenia solium Cysticercosis: Present Scenario: A Review

Abstract

Cysticercosis is one of the most important neglected parasitic diseases caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Taenia solium. It is the most common cause of epilepsy in the areas with improper pig husbandry practices and poor sanitary conditions. In pig the larvae lodges in the muscle and subcutaneous tissue and seldom manifests any clinical sign. In human beings the larval stage resides in the CNS thus leading to the condition Neurocysticercosis. The disease can be diagnosed by using various neuroimaging techniques and immunodiagnostic methods. Available therapeutic options include cysticidal drugs, steroids, anti-epileptic drugs etc. The disease can be controlled by anti-parasitic treatment of the pig and humans residing in endemic areas, vaccinating the pigs, creating awareness and other measures.

Economic Implications of Porcine Cysticercosis Based on Meta-Analysis Estimates of its Prevalence in India

“…This might reveal presence of the disease at relatively greater extent. The rationale for geographically uneven distribution of PCC may be attributed to the social and culinary preferences of various regions for swine husbandry in general and pork as a food in particular as compared to other regions of the country (Barua et al, 2021).…”