The parasitological, immunological, and molecular diagnosis of human taeniasis with special emphasis on Taenia solium taeniasis

摘要

Human neurocysticercosis, caused by the larvalstage of the tapeworm Taenia solium, is an important neurologicaldisorder reported as a major cause of epilepsy. Animportant risk factor for neurocysticercosis is the presence ofhuman T. solium carriers who, upon open defecation, disseminatetapeworm eggs, which are infective to both humans andpigs. In the latter, infection also results in cysticercosis, withassociated health and economic consequences. Control ofT. solium therefore depends greatly on accurate detectionand treatment of carriers. However, the currently availabledirect diagnostic tests depend on detection, in feces, of eitherparasite stages or parasite antigens and genetic material. Theformer are low cost but lack adequate sensitivity and specificity;the latter are too expensive to be routinely utilized inendemic communities. Indirect tests based on antibody detectionmay only show exposure and not active infection. Anideal diagnostic test should be one that is low cost and is ableto quickly and reliably detect tapeworm carriers so that appropriatetreatment can be prescribed in order to eliminate thesource of infection. Such a test remains elusive. Effortsshould, therefore, be directed at formulation of a test that is not only sensitive and specific but also affordable for use inendemic countries.