Abstract:
Human neurocysticercosis, caused by the larval
stage of the tapeworm Taenia solium, is an important neurological
disorder reported as a major cause of epilepsy. An
important risk factor for neurocysticercosis is the presence of
human T. solium carriers who, upon open defecation, disseminate
tapeworm eggs, which are infective to both humans and
pigs. In the latter, infection also results in cysticercosis, with
associated health and economic consequences. Control of
T. solium therefore depends greatly on accurate detection
and treatment of carriers. However, the currently available
direct diagnostic tests depend on detection, in feces, of either
parasite stages or parasite antigens and genetic material. The
former are low cost but lack adequate sensitivity and specificity;
the latter are too expensive to be routinely utilized in
endemic communities. Indirect tests based on antibody detection
may only show exposure and not active infection. An
ideal diagnostic test should be one that is low cost and is able
to quickly and reliably detect tapeworm carriers so that appropriate
treatment can be prescribed in order to eliminate the
source of infection. Such a test remains elusive. Efforts
should, therefore, be directed at formulation of a test that is not only sensitive and specific but also affordable for use in
endemic countries.
