Implementation of Taenia solium control measures in Bali, Indonesia: Survey findings and a historical overview.

Historically, cysticercosis cases caused by infection with the larval stage of the Taenia solium tapeworm have occurred sporadically in Bali, with taeniasis carriers found primarily in villages located in the Kubu subdistrict of Karangasem. As Bali is a well-known tourist destination, living standards are relatively high on the island, except for an area located beneath the northeast slope of the active volcano Mt. Agung (Alt. 3031 m), which includes Kubu. Over the last 30 years, pigs originating from this area have been found with T. solium cysticerci, whereas pigs from other parts of the island have not been shown to be infected. Out of 108 individuals screened via fecal sample examination in Kubu during 2019, 3 cases of T. solium taeniasis (2.8%) were identified. There was no significant difference in taeniasis prevalence from surveys conducted in 2011-2016 (1.0%, 11/1089) (p = 0.123). Out of 110 humans and 140 pigs tested serologically in Kubu during 2019, no cases of cysticercosis were identified. This is in contrast to a seroprevalence of 4.1% (42/1025) in humans during 2011-2016 and a seroprevalence of 13.1% (43/329) in pigs during 2011-2013. Over the last decade, improved drinking water and sanitary systems have been employed in addition to health education targeting primary school children, including emphasis on washing hands before eating and after defecation. This review provides previously unpublished survey data and a historical overview of T. solium infection in Bali and offers guidance on best practices to ensure that remaining pockets of transmission are addressed.

Taeniasis/cysticercosis in Bali, Indonesia.

Taenia solium and Taenia saginata are found in humans in Bali, Indonesia. During a field survey of 660 people in Bali from 2002-2009 of taeniasis/cysticercosis cases using mitochondrial DNA confirmation of the species, we detected 80 cases of T. saginata taeniasis, 2 dual T. saginata/T. solium infections with T. solium metacestodes in the brain and 12 neurocysticercosis (NCC) cases at Sanglah Hospital, Denpasar. Although the prevalence of NCC in Bali is low, sporadic cases are still present. There is no Taenia asiatica in Bali. We summarize here the field survey findings of taeniasis, including 1 dual infection with taeniasis and cysticercosis in 2007, and the reason why there are no T. asiatica cases and we describe 3 NCC cases admitted to Sanglah Hospital, Denpasar, Bali in 2004. Diagnosis was based on anamnesis, clinical examination, including CT Scan, histopathological, serological and mitochondrial DNA examinations. In order to prevent unexpected symptomatic NCC after treatment with praziquantel, we recommend introducing a rapid test to confirm taeniasis carriers and cysticercosis cases as a tool for real time diagnosis.

Neurocysticercosis presented as a solitary cystic parenchymal lesion mimicking primary brain tumor: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is an infection of the central nervous system by the larval stage of pork tapeworm (Taenia solium/T. solium). Diagnosing NCC can be challenging, particularly among those who reside in areas with rare occurrence of NCC and atypical manifestation such as a solitary parenchymal lesion. We treated a patient whose initially was diagnosed with brain abcess and later, brain tumor, only finally revealed to be an NCC case. CASE REPORT: A 25-year old male suffered from multiple focal-to-bilateral tonic clonic seizures, was initially diagnosed as brain abscess. He was given antibiotics and anti-seizure medication but the seizure relapsed with a typical semiology. Physical examination demonstrated grade I papilledema, grade 4+ hemiparesis, and headache of vascular origin. Patient was suspected to have oligodendroglioma after underwent head MRI examination and subsequent tumor resection was performed. Pathological anatomy evaluation demonstrated multiple cystic segments containing larva of tapeworm, supporting a diagnosis of active NCC infection. After 14-day course of antheminthic treatment and resumed AED, patient was seizure-free and NCC was not found upon follow-up CT scan. CONCLUSION: NCC, with respect to clinical and radiological manifestations, can be protean. A high index of suspicion towards NCC should always be maintained, particularly among patients originated from endemic area. Appropriate treatment with anthelminthic may result in full disease resolution, thus precluding unnecessary invasive approach.