Potential Elimination of Active Taenia solium Transmission in Africa

TO THE EDITOR: Taeniasis and cysticercosis due to Taenia solium are major foodborne parasitic zoonoses that severely affect public health, social, and economic sectors, with the burden of neurocysticercosis estimated at 2,788,426 disability-adjusted life-years.1 A study involving an integrated intervention program in humans and pigs showed elimination of transmission of T. solium in Peru.2 This study provided important proof of concept; however, similar studies of T. solium elimination have not been completed in sub-Saharan Africa, where the prevalence of this infection and the level of poverty are higher than in Peru.