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Optimal control strategies for Taenia solium taeniasis and cysticercosis have not been determined. We conducted a 2-year cluster randomized trial in Peru by assigning 23 villages to 1 of 3 geographically targeted intervention approaches. For ring screening (RS), participants living near pigs with cysticercosis were screened for taeniasis; identified cases were treated with niclosamide. In ring treatment (RT), participants living near pigs with cysticercosis received presumptive treatment with niclosamide. In mass treatment (MT), participants received niclosamide treatment every 6 months regardless of location. In each approach, half the villages received targeted or mass oxfendazole for pigs (6 total study arms). We noted significant reductions in seroincidence among pigs in all approaches (67.1% decrease in RS, 69.3% in RT, 64.7% in MT; p

Optimal control strategies for Taenia solium taeniasis and cysticercosis have not been determined. We conducted a 2-year cluster randomized trial in Peru by assigning 23 villages to 1 of 3 geographically targeted intervention approaches. For ring screening (RS), participants living near pigs with cysticercosis were screened for taeniasis; identified cases were treated with niclosamide. In ring treatment (RT), participants living near pigs with cysticercosis received presumptive treatment with niclosamide. In mass treatment (MT), participants received niclosamide treatment every 6 months regardless of location. In each approach, half the villages received targeted or mass oxfendazole for pigs (6 total study arms). We noted significant reductions in seroincidence among pigs in all approaches (67.1% decrease in RS, 69.3% in RT, 64.7% in MT; p<0.001), despite a smaller proportion of population treated by targeted approaches (RS 1.4%, RT 19.3%, MT 88.5%). Our findings suggest multiple approaches can achieve rapid control of T. solium transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurocysticercosis is the most common cause of seizures in many developing countries. It is important, not just because of its prevalence but also because in most cases it is treatable. As a neglected tropical disease, it has been the focus of tremendous research. The Chilean government has established a goal of cysticercosis eradication which will become a model for a global effort. The pork tapeworm, taenia solium, primarily affects pigs although other mammals have been infested, such as bears. Human infection related to ingesting inadequately cooked meat is well known, but children often become infected by fecal-oral contamination of food or water. Profound morbidity can then affect the central nervous system. Treatment is available and seizures can be managed effectively. New therapies, including neuroendoscopic methods are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to increased globalization, food-borne parasitic infections are becoming more prevalent worldwide, including in countries where these parasites and parasitic diseases had previously been well controlled or eradicated. Improved sanitation, health education, and establishment of appropriate food safety mechanisms can go a long way towards the control of many these infections. However, food-borne parasitic infections are still common diseases in developing countries, especially in rural areas. As many of today's travelers are looking to explore more distant locations and partake in the local cuisine, they may be at greater risk of acquiring a food-borne parasitic infection, including those caused by a number of adult and larval tapeworms. This review discusses fish and meat-borne tapeworms and zoonotic metacestodiases of public health importance to both developing and developed countries, with a focus on infection prevention in travelers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurocysticercosis results from the infestation of the central nervous system with invading tapeworm larvae. Though uncommon in the US prior to 1965, new cases are currently being diagnosed at an unprecedented rate. Drawing on environmental health, intervention and risk data retrieved from standard/alternative databases and in-country sources, we present an update and summary of modifiable risk factors and field-tested primary prevention measures. While points of intervention, subpopulations at risk and overall magnitude of the problem are addressed, particular attention is paid to defining risk reduction measures that can be adopted by individuals and high risk groups in the near-term to interrupt or eliminate pathways of exposure leading to disease transmission. Though global eradication is not attainable in the near future, effective preventative measures exist and should be taken now by international travellers and workers, US/foreign government agencies, and individuals living in endemic regions to reduce human suffering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is caused by cysticerci spreading to spinal or brain tissue. NCC causes headaches, seizures, and focal neurological deficits. NCC is one of the main causes of epilepsy worldwide. NCC can cause death if it is not adequately treated. NCC is preventable through education of proper handwashing techniques proper food handling, and separation of human and pig living quarters (CDC 1998). The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), the World Health Organization (WHO), and other international health organizations are attempting to rid the world of NCC through education. Cysticerci create cavities in the brain and other body tissue where their tiny bodies grow sometimes into tapeworms two to seven meters in length and can live up to 25 years in the human body. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) wormholes appear. Often times, if best practice is followed, the patient's entire body is scanned and more craters appear. Some authors have stated that cysticerci on a computed topography (CT) scan are similar to a starry sky or fireflies (Kapur et al. 2007). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]