Taeniosis and cysticercosis

Abstract

Taeniosis and cysticercosis are zoonotic diseases produced by Taenia saginata and Taenia solium. The adult tapeworms are parasites of human intestine and show a wide geographical distribution. Taenia asiatica, another tapeworm species, was described in Southeast Asia. The larval stages of these cestodes (metacestodes or cysticerci) cause cysticercosis; T. saginata causes bovine cysticercosis, T. asiatica larvae develop in the pig viscera, and T. solium is able to produce cysticercosis in both pig and man. When the parasite larva invades, the central nervous system (CNS) can provoke neurocysticercosis (NCC), one of the most frequent parasitic infections of human CNS. These diseases continue to cause health problems and livestock industry losses in areas where the parasites are endemic and also in non-endemic regions as a consequence of travel and migrations. There are few symptoms associated with taeniosis; in contrast, NCC (pleomorphic pathology) could be a life-threatening disease, depending on the location, number, stage of cysticerci, and the host immune response. Diagnosis of taeniosis is generally achieved by stool microscopic examinations, and the detection of cysticercosis is generally performed by neuroimaging and immunoassays. Both conventional coprological techniques and immunological assays show limitations, and new diagnostic tools have been developed, more specific and sensitive, such as specific monoclonal antibodies, recombinant antigens, synthetic peptides, and PCR. Considering the clinical impact, veterinary problems, and economic losses derived from taeniosis/cysticercosis, control programs have been implemented. In addition, several vaccine candidates have been characterized that could complement the control measures.