Risk factors and control measures for taeniosis/cysticercosis

Abstract

Human neurocysticercosis is a disease caused by the ingestion of Taenia solium eggs, which are released in faeces within the final segments or proglottids of the parasite. Since sewage has been used to irrigate vegetables, it was considered for a long time that fresh lettuce, strawberries and all those crops that are eaten not peeled and uncooked were the main Source of T. solium eggs, and thus, the main risk for acquiring cysticercosis. Nonetheless a study performed in the principal strawberry production states in Mexico could not detect any tapeworm egg in a representative sample of strawberries. In contrast several seroepidemiological studies have demonstrated that the presence of the tapeworm carrier in the household or in the close environment is the main risk factor associated to human and swine cysticercosis. This information was initially obtained in Mexico and has also been documented in other endemic countries of Latin America. Several intervention measures for the control of cysticercosis showed to be useful: a health education program developed on the basis of the knowledge of cysticercosis and taeniosis that the community has, mass treatment against the adult parasite and vaccination of pigs with cysticercosis. Nevertheless each measure has still to be improved.