Molecular Confirmation of Taenia solium Taeniasis in Child, Timor-Leste.

We report a case of Taenia solium taeniasis in a 10-year-old child in Timor-Leste, confirmed by molecular analysis, suggesting T. solium transmission to humans is occurring in Timor-Leste. Proactive measures are needed to improve public understanding of prevalence, geographic spread, and health implications of human taeniasis and cysticercosis in Timor-Leste.

Treatment and management of coenurosis by Taenia multiceps: field data from outbreaks in endemic regions and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Taenia multiceps coenurosis is endemic in sheep from various regions worldwide. Dogs, the key hosts, shed T. multiceps eggs in their feces contaminating the pasture, and lambs are mostly infected during their first turnout into pastures. The disease is manifested in two forms: acute (due to the migrating oncospheres in the CNS) or chronic (due to the developing coenuri in the brain or spinal cord). Both forms are frequently accompanied by neurological symptoms. METHODS: Field trials conducted in an endemic region (Sardinia, Italy) to treat replacement lambs in six sheep flocks infected with acute coenurosis are summarized in this article. The article also reviews earlier reports on various approaches developed to treat and immunize sheep against coenurosis. RESULTS: Accurate detection of the time in which lambs become infected is crucial in deciding which treatment approach should be used. Acute disease can be successfully treated via chemotherapy. Results of field trials conducted in Sardinia revealed the efficacy of three (1-week apart) oxfendazole doses (14.15 mg/kg) in protecting apparently healthy lambs in the infected flocks from developing neurological symptoms. A single praziquantel dose (18.75 mg/kg) worked well for the same purpose and was also found significant in treating 5 of 16 clinically ill lambs in one flock. Earlier reports documented high rates of recovery (up to 100%) in clinically diseased lambs that received much higher doses (50-100 mg/kg) of praziquantel. However, chemotherapy is not preferred in chronic coenurosis since it can lead to rupture of the coenuri, giving rise to serious inflammation in the CNS. Surgical intervention is highly recommended in this case, and the pooled success rates for surgery in chronic-infected cases was estimated at 82.1% (95% CI 73.1-91.0%). However, various trials have been conducted to immunize sheep against T. multiceps coenurosis, and the 18k (Tm18) family of oncosphere antigens was found promising as a vaccine candidate. CONCLUSIONS: In acute coenurosis, selection of the proper anthelmintic should be done after consulting the owner for several reasons: (1) costs of the used anthelmintic: treating a small flock of 100 sheep costs around 1170 and 660 € for praziquantel and oxfendazole, respectively; (2) withdrawal time of the used anthelmintic: No time is required before consuming meat and milk from praziquantel-treated sheep, whereas meat and milk from oxfendazole-treated sheep should not be consumed for 44 and 9 days, respectively, causing additional costs for the farmers. Since no commercial vaccines have yet been developed against T. multiceps coenurosis in sheep, preventive measures remain the cornerstone of controlling this serious disease.

Assessment of knowledge and practices regarding taeniasis and cysticercosis in Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Taeniasis and cysticercosis are parasitic infections caused by Taenia spp., mainly transmitted through the consumption of undercooked pork. Prevention requires increasing knowledge and awareness, improving meat inspection and hygiene, and promoting safe food handling and sanitation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and practice (KP) of residents in Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, regarding taeniasis and cysticercosis. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, and its 11 subdistrict municipalities. Study participants were selected using a stratified random sampling design. A validated questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha = 0.70) was used to collect socio-demographic information and assess knowledge and practices related to taeniasis and cysticercosis. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression were used for the analysis. RESULTS: Of the 360 survey respondents, 65.0% (n = 234) were women, 82.2% (n = 296) were aged under 60 years, 99.2% (n = 357) identified as Buddhist, 87.5% (n = 315) had less than a bachelor's degree education level, 54.2% (n = 195) had monthly family income ≥10,000 Thai baht, 10.6% (n = 38) were unemployed, and 26.1% (n = 93) lived in a town municipality. The survey revealed that 98.3% (n = 354) of participants were categorized as having less accurate knowledge and 83.6% (n = 301) were classified as more frequently engaging in correct prevention practices. Our study revealed that pig farmers (1.7%) occasionally permitted the pigs to forage freely. The results of multiple linear regression analysis revealed that knowledge scores were positively associated with household income ≥10,000 Thai baht (ßadj = 1.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.65 to 2.36). Practice scores were negatively associated with age over 60 years (ßadj = -1.77, 95% CI -3.14 to -0.40) and living in a subdistrict municipality (ßadj = -2.58, 95% CI -3.77 to -1.39). There was no association between KP regarding taeniasis and cysticercosis in the population of Pak Chong. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, participants' knowledge was lacking. Public education interventions are recommended to improve knowledge among residents with low socioeconomic status. These findings can inform the development of targeted interventions and educational programs in Pak Chong District, especially among elderly people in subdistrict municipalities, to improve practices for the prevention and control of these parasitic infections.

Using the model cestode Taenia crassiceps for the study of cysticercosis.

Taenia solium is the aetiological agent of taeniasis/cysticercosis, one of the most severe neglected tropical diseases (NTD) according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The life cycle of T. solium alternates between pigs (intermediate host) and humans (definitive host). In addition, humans can act as accidental intermediate hosts if they ingest infective eggs. In this case, the most severe condition of the disease occurs when parasites invade the central nervous system, causing neurocysticercosis (NCC). The complexity of the life cycle of T. solium imposes a barrier to study this pathogen thoroughly. Thus, related species, such as T. crassiceps are commonly used. Due to its capacity to multiply asexually, T. crassiceps can be maintained by serial passage in laboratory mice in standard biosecurity level facilities. In addition, an in vitro system to generate cysticerci in the presence of feeder cells has been recently developed. Despite model species display biological differences with their zoonotic counterparts, they have historically helped to understand the biology of the related pathogenic species and hence, generate improvements in NTD detection and control. In this chapter, we describe the procedures to carry out both in vivo and in vitro systems for T. crassiceps in the laboratory.

Biliary Taeniasis: Case Series and Literature Review.

Biliary taeniasis is uncommon in clinical practice. We report two cases in our hospital. The first patient was diagnosed with acute biliary pancreatitis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) showed a white, flat, segmented 1-cm-wide tapeworm drilling into the duodenal papilla that was identified as Taenia saginata. After tapeworm removal, bile duct sweeping, and anthelmintic therapy, the patient recovered uneventfully. The second patient was diagnosed with acute cholangitis and multiple stones in the common bile duct and gallbladder. Emergency ERCP showed no tapeworm in the duodenum. During a subsequent ERCP 6 days later, a flat tapeworm, also T. saginata, was identified drilling into the duodenal papilla. We review five patients cases with acute acalculous cholecystitis or cholangitis caused by T. saginata or Taenia solium, and 1 patient with T. saginata drilling into the T-tube. Taeniasis should be taken into consideration when dealing with biliary and pancreatic disease.

[Prevalence of taeniasis and sero - prevalence of anti - cysticercus antibody among residents in Tibetan agricultural areas of Sichuan Province].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of taeniasis and cysticercosis among residents in Tibetan agricultural areas of Sichuan Province, so as to provide insights for the prevention and control of taeniasis and cysticercosis. METHODS: From 2016 to 2022, Kangding City, Daocheng County, Derong County, Ruoergai County and Muli Tibetan Autonomous County were sampled from Tibetan agricultural areas of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture and Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province, and 1 to 6 townships were sampled from each county (district), followed by 4 to 7 villages sampled from each township. Primary school children were sampled using a cluster sampling method, and permanent residents at ages of over 16 years were randomly sampled from each village. Participants' demographics, history of tapeworm excretion during the past year and clinical symptoms and signs of cysticercosis were collected through questionnaire surveys, and participants' stool and venous blood samples were collected. Taenia eggs were detected in stool samples using the direct smear method, and deworming was performed among taeniasis patients with areca nut-squash seeds. The tapeworm species were identified using a multiplex PCR assay, and serum specific IgG antibody against cysticercus was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: A total of 5 249 respondents participated in the questionnaire survey, including 603 respondents (11.5%) with a self-reported history of proglottids secretion during the past year. A total of 3 976 residents were subjected to stool examinations, and the detection of Taenia eggs was 6.5%. Of 258 participants undergoing deworming, there were 403 cases (94.2%) with excretions of Taenia worms or proglottids. The mean prevalence of taeniasis was 10.9% (439/4 043), and there were gender-, age- and region-specific prevalence rates of taeniasis (χ2 = 36.73, 126.31 and 163.41, all P values < 0.05). Multiplex PCR assays detected 41 cases with T. solium infections (12.5%), 197 cases with T. saginata infections (59.9%) and 91 cases with T. asiatica infections (27.6%) among 329 patients undergoing deworming, and there were region-specific prevalence rates of T. solium, T. saginata and T. asiatica infections (χ2 = 45.39, P < 0.05). In addition, the sero-prevalence of anti-cysticercus IgG antibody was 7.0% (345/4 933), and there were age- and region-specific sero-prevalence rates of anti-cysticercus IgG antibody (χ2 = 13.49 and 51.76, both P values < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Multiple Taenia species are prevalent in Tibetan agricultural areas of Sichuan Province and the sero-prevalence of anti-cysticercus antibody is high among residents. Monitoring and control of taeniasis and cysticercosis should be strengthened.

Molecular diagnosis of Taenia saginata from two patients in Palestine: two case reports.

BACKGROUND: Taeniasis, is a worldwide foodborne zoonotic disease caused by two principal species; Taenia saginata and Taenia solium. The tapeworm infects the intestine causing taeniasis in humans. Taeniasis is a very rare parasitic infection in Palestine with very few annual cases of unknown species. The infection rate and the disease status are not clear due to the lack of reports about the actual number of patients. CASE PRESENTATION: Two Palestinian patients; one male of 22 years old from Hebron and the other is female of 33 years old from Ramallah were referred to Palestinian Health Services in the West Bank, Palestine, complained of weight loss, abdominal pain and presence of motile segments of creamy color in the their stool. Microscopic analysis of the stool samples from infected cases revealed Taenia eggs and proglottids, confirmed taeniasis infection. The parasite species was identified as T. saginata by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and sequencing of the cytochrome oxidase -1 (COX-1) gene. CONCLUSION: Taeniasis is an unusual parasitic infection in Palestine, there is a growing concern that the actual numbers of infected individuals are much higher and the occurrence of human taeniasis is principally due to people's eating habits in consumption of raw or undercooked beef meat. This report highlighted for the first time the existence of taeniasis infection in the country; which necessitates the need to conduct further research and surveillance to reveal the actual infection rate and the available Taenia species.

Cisticercosis lingual. Diagnóstico, manejo clínico y tratamiento de un caso clínico / Lingual cysticercosis. Diagnosis, clinical management and treatment of a clinical case

Objetivo: Las comunicaciones bucosinusales y buco- nasales son condiciones patológicas que se caracterizan por la presencia de una solución de continuidad entre la cavidad bucal y el seno maxilar o la cavidad nasal respectivamente. Una vez que se ha instalado una comunicación es deseable ce- rrar este defecto, evitando así la infección del seno maxilar y posibles dificultades en la deglución, fonación y masticación. Se han propuesto diferentes tratamientos para su resolución, algunos no quirúrgicos y otros quirúrgicos. Los quirúrgicos pueden realizarse desplazando tejidos locales, regionales o injertando. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo presentar situaciones clínicas de comunicaciones bucosinusales y buco- nasales con diferentes etiologías y sus distintos tratamientos según tamaño y ubicación del defecto. Casos clínicos: Se identificaron pacientes que asistie- ron al Servicio de Cirugía Maxilofacial del Hospital Piñero presentando cuatro comunicaciones bucosinusales agudas y crónicas y una comunicación buconasal crónica. Los casos analizados fueron tratados de manera quirúrgica utilizando di- versos colgajos según tamaño y ubicación del defecto (AU)

Aim: Oroantral and oronasal communications are patho- logical conditions characterized by the presence of a solu- tion of continuity between the oral cavity and the maxillary sinus or nasal cavity respectively. Once a communication has been installed, it is desirable to close this defect, thus avoid- ing infection of the maxillary sinus and possible difficulties in swallowing, phonation, and mastication. Different treatments have been proposed for its resolution, some non-surgical and others surgical. Surgical procedures can be performed by dis- placing local or regional tissue or by grafting. The aim of this case report is to present clinical situations of oral sinus and oral nasal communication with different etiologies and their different treatments according to the size and location of the defect. Clinical cases: A group of patients who attended the Maxillofacial Surgery Service of Piñero Hospital presenting four acute and chronic oral sinus and one oronasal communi- cations were identified. The analyzed cases were treated sur- gically using different flaps according to the size and location of the defect (AU)

Serological surveillance of parasitic zoonoses in 13 highlands regions of Peru: Period 2016-2019. / Vigilancia serológica de la zoonosis parasitaria en 13 regiones de la sierra del Perú: Periodo 2016-2019.

OBJECTIVES.: Motivation for the study. To understand the characteristics and distribution of the main parasitic zoonoses in Peru and to generate data for decision making in surveillance, prevention and control. Main findings. These parasitic zoonoses are distributed in areas of extreme poverty in the central and southern highlands of Peru. Fascioliasis seropositivity was found to be higher than for echinococcosis and cysticercosis. In addition, sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle habits influence the transmission of these zoonoses. Implications. An active search for these zoonoses should be carried out in other risk areas with similar epidemiological characteristics to determine the prevalence of each of these zoonoses and implement multisectoral prevention and control programs. . To determine seropositivity to anti-IgG antibodies against Echinococcus granulosus, Fasciola hepatica and Taenia solium cysticercus infection and to describe the characteristics of the infected patients in 13 regions of the Peruvian highlands between 2016 and 2019. MATERIALS AND METHODS.: Cross-sectional, observational study, in which we analyzed 7811 epidemiological records of laboratory-based surveillance of parasitic zoonoses from 2016 to 2019. Diagnosis was established by detecting IgG type anti-E. granulosus, F. hepatica and T. solium cysticercus antibodies using native antigens by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Immunoblot. We evaluated the difference in the frequency of the cases according to identified characteristics using Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS.: Seropositivity was 7.9% for fascioliasis, 4.9% for cystic echinococcosis, and 2.3% for T. solium cysticercus. These rates were higher in Cerro de Pasco for cystic echinococcosis (24.5%), in Ayacucho for T. solium cysticercus (4.5%) and in Puno for fascioliasis (40.6%). Regarding the sociodemographic characteristics, we found a statistically significant difference in the frequency of cases for all zoonoses according to age group, occupation, and region of residence. We also found a difference with the consumption of vegetables in emollients, and between clinical-epidemiological characteristics and having a family history of parasitic zoonoses. CONCLUSIONS.: From the 7811 samples, we found that these parasitic zoonoses are distributed in 13 regions of the Peruvian highlands, and represent a major health problem, with frequencies that change according to different characteristics.

OBJETIVOS.: Determinar la seropositividad a anticuerpos anti-IgG por infección de Echinococcus granulosus, Fasciola hepatica y cisticerco de Taenia solium y describir las características de los infectados en 13 regiones de la sierra peruana entre 2016 y 2019. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS.: Estudio observacional transversal, que analizó 7811 fichas epidemiológicas de la vigilancia basada en laboratorio de las zoonosis parasitarias del periodo 2016-2019. El diagnóstico se realizó mediante la detección de anticuerpos tipo IgG anti E. granulosus, F. hepatica y cisticerco de T. solium utilizando antígenos nativos mediante el ensayo inmunoabsorbente ligado a enzimas (ELISA) e Inmunoblot. La diferencia en la frecuencia de casos de estas zoonosis según características identificadas se realizó mediante la prueba chi-cuadrado de Pearson y prueba exacta de Fisher. RESULTADOS.: Se determinó una seropositividad de 7,9% para fascioliasis, 4,9% para equinococosis quística, y 2,3% para cisticerco de T. solium. Estas frecuencias fueron mayores en Cerro de Pasco para equinococosis quística (24,5%), en Ayacucho para cisticerco de T. solium (4,5%) y en Puno para fascioliasis (40,6%). Entre las características sociodemográficas, se encontró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la frecuencia de casos para todas las zoonosis según grupo etario, ocupación, y región de residencia. Además, se encontró diferencia con el consumo de verduras en emolientes, y entre las características clínico-epidemiológicas con tener antecedentes familiares de las zoonosis parasitarias. CONCLUSIONES.: A partir de las 7811 muestras evaluadas, se encontró que estas zoonosis parasitarias están distribuidas en 13 regiones de la sierra del Perú, ocasionando un problema de salud importante, con frecuencias que varían según diversas características.

Cisticercose bovina: ocorrência em abatedouro de Sertãozinho, SP, e relação com a teníase e cisticercose humana

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a incidência de cisticercose bovina em 2.519 bovinos, encaminhados ao Departamento de Inspeção Final (D.I.F) de um abatedouro frigorífico, sob inspeção federal, localizado em Sertãozinho-SP. Esses animais eram oriundos de diferentes cidades dos estados de São Paulo, Minas Gerais e Goiás, sendo possível o uso do respectivo abatedouro, durante o período de junho de 2018 a dezembro de 2018, como um recinto de convergência desses bovinos para estudo de caráter epidemiológico e, portanto, servindo para representar a situação sanitária do rebanho nessa região. Foram selecionados os 3 municípios em que se detectaram as maiores incidências de cisticercose bovina para tentar, depois, relacioná-las com as incidências, nos mesmos municípios, de teníase e cisticercose humana. Para tanto, contactouse as respectivas secretarias de saúde dos aludidos municípios, na tentativa de fechamento do ciclo zoonótico e levantamento da hipótese sobre a causa raiz do complexo nessas áreas. Com foco, sobretudo, em evidenciar o problema aos órgãos de saúde responsáveis pelo devido controle sanitário. Os dados foram obtidos através do Serviço de Inspeção Federal (SIF n° 941), indicando o município de origem, número de diagnosticados e as patologias dos bovinos encaminhados ao D.I.F, para a realização do compilado, que indicou 2357 animais infectados pela cisticercose bovina, sendo as cidades com os maiores níveis de infestação : São Bento do Sapucaí-SP, Agudos-SP e São João da Boa Vista-SP.

This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of bovine cysticercosis in 2,519 animals, sent to the Department of Final Inspection (D.I.F) of a slaughterhouse, under federal inspection, located in Sertãozinho-SP. These cattle came from different cities in the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais and Goiás, making it possible to use the respective slaughterhouse, during the period from June 2018 to December 2018, as a place of convergence of these cattle for an epidemiological study. , showing the zoonosis surveillance itself in its origins. The 3 counties with the highest incidence were selected to establish the relationship and, subsequently, the contact with the human part, health departments, in search for data on human teniasis and cysticercosis, in an attempt to close the zoonotic cycle and raise the hypothesis about the root cause of the complex in those areas. With a focus, above all, on highlighting the problem to the health agencies responsible for the control. The data were obtained through the local SIF (Federal Inspection Service) (941), indicating the animal’s origin’s county, number of diagnosed and the pathologies of the cattle which were sent to the D.I.F, for the compilation, which indicated 2357 animals infected by cysticercosis, with the cities with the highest levels of infestation. : São Bento do Sapucaí-SP, Agudos-SP and São João da Boa Vista-SP.

Apuntes y recomendaciones para el establecimiento de programas de control de la teniasis / cisticercosis por Taenia solium en el Perú / Notes and recommendations for the establishment of control programs for taeniasis and cysticercosis due to Taenia solium in Peru

La neurocisticercosis es la infección del sistema nervioso por la larva (cisticerco) de la tenia del cerdo (Taenia solium). La neurocisticercosis es la mayor causa de epilepsia adquirida a nivel mundial y por ende un problema de salud pública global. De otro lado, la teniasis/cisticercosis por T. solium es una de las pocas infecciones consideradas potencialmente erradicables. Recientemente, un programa de eliminación de transmisión a gran escala en Tumbes, Perú, demostró la factibilidad de interrumpir la transmisión. Sobre la base de estos avances, se proponen una serie de lineamientos iniciales para poner las bases de programas de control regionales y nacionales de la teniasis/cisticercosis, partiendo de intervenciones simples y factibles a nivel local.

Neurocysticercosis is a nervous system infection caused by the larvae (cysticercus) of the pork tapeworm (Taenia solium). Neurocysticercosis is the primary cause of acquired epilepsy worldwide and, therefore, a global public health problem. On the other hand, T. solium taeniasis/cysticercosis is one of very few infectious diseases considered to be potentially eradicable. Recently, a large-scale elimination program in Tumbes, Peru, demonstrated the feasibility of interrupting transmission. Based on these advances, a series of initial guidelines are proposed aimed at setting out the foundations for regional and national taeniasis/cysticercosis control programs, with simple and feasible local interventions as a starting point.

Cisticercosis: reporte de caso / Cysticercosis: case Report

La teniasis humana/cisticercosis es una enfer-medad zoonótica causada por la Taenia solium. Fue declarada por la OMS como una de las enfermedades tropicales potencialmente erra-dicables que afecta a las personas más pobres con condiciones ambientales desfavorables. En nuestro país, Honduras, la Dra. Rina Girard de Kaminsky en 1991 encontró tasas de infección de 2-7/1000 en el Hospital Escuela, 10/1000 en el sur y 0-6/1000 en los departamentos de Cortés y Atlántida. La transmisión es a través de un círculo cerdo-humano; en el cual el cerdo lleva las larvas quísticas en su carne (cisticerco-sis), el humano la Taenia adulta (teniasis) en la luz del intestino. La cisticercosis se debe a la infección que puede ser asintomática o sintomática: diarrea, dolor abdominal, migración de proglótides y cisticercos al Sistema Nervioso Central (SNC). El diagnóstico se basa en el cuadro clínico, demostración de los huevos o quistes, pruebas inmunológicas ELISA: inmunoelectroforesis, Tomografía axial computarizada y resonancia magnética. Su tratamiento farmacológico es: Praziquantel y Albendazol a dosis de 10-20 mg/kg/día una dosis, y en Neurocisticercosis 10 días de tratamiento el cual deberá iniciarse una vez controlado el cuadro convulsivo y la hiper-tensión endocraneana. Se presenta un caso de Teniasis en un lactante de 8 meses alimentado exclusivamente con leche materna. El objetivo del presente estudio es reconocer su aparición en cualquier edad, incluyendo los menores de 1 año además de recordar que es erradicable y que se pueden prevenir las complicaciones...(AU)

Seroprevalencia y factores de riesgo de cisticercosis en dos comunidades rurales del norte del estado Anzoátegui, Venezuela / Seroprevalence and risk factors of cysticercosis in two rural communities in Anzoátegui state, Venezuela

Resumen Introducción. La cisticercosis es causada por las larvas de Taenia solium, las cuales se localizan principalmente en el sistema nervioso central y causan neurocisticercosis. En Venezuela se han hecho pocos estudios epidemiológicos de esta enfermedad. Objetivo. Determinar la seroprevalencia y los factores de riesgo de la cisticercosis en dos comunidades rurales del estado Anzoátegui, Venezuela. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo una encuesta para recolectar datos sobre los posibles factores de riesgo y los signos y síntomas de la enfermedad, y se tomaron 182 muestras de los habitantes de las comunidades de Boquerón y Punto Lindo. Se determinaron los anticuerpos IgG contra cisticercos de T. solium mediante ensayo inmunoenzimático (ELISA). Resultados. En Boquerón, se presentó una seroprevalencia de 3,3 %; debido al bajo número de muestras positivas no se pudo hacer el análisis estadístico. Sin embargo, las tres personas positivas tenían conocimiento de la enfermedad, antecedentes de tenencia de cerdos no confinados, consumo de carne de cerdo semicruda y cefalea frecuente. En Punto Lindo, la seroprevalencia fue de 28,9 %. No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en cuanto al sexo y la edad, sin embargo, se encontró mayor frecuencia en menores de 20 años. Con respecto a los factores de riesgo y los signos y síntomas, se encontró asociación significativa con el consumo de carne de cerdo semicruda (odds ratio, OR=18; IC95% 5,78-55,9), cefalea frecuente (OR=3,6; IC95% 1,15-11,4), convulsiones (OR=18,9; IC95% 2,15-166,5) y problemas de visión (OR=5,7; IC95% 2,13-15,34). Conclusión. Los resultados demostraron que había poca transmisión de cisticercosis en Boquerón, pero mucha en Punto Lindo, sobre todo en niños, lo cual sugeriría que se trata de transmisión reciente.

Abstract Introduction: Cysticercosis is caused by Taenia solium cysticerci, which are located mainly in the central nervous system causing neurocysticercosis. In Venezuela, few epidemiological studies on this disease have been conducted. Objective: To determine the seroprevalence and risk factors for cysticercosis in two rural communities in Anzoátegui state. Material and methods: We conducted a survey to collect data on possible risk factors and signs and symptoms of the disease, and we took 182 samples in two communities, Boquerón and Punto Lindo. Detection of IgG antibodies against T. solium cysticerci was performed by ELISA. Results: Seroprevalence in Boquerón was 3.3%; due to the low number of seropositives the statistical analysis was not possible. However, the three seropositive persons had knowledge of the disease, and a history of consumption of undercooked pork meat, and presence of headache. In Punto Lindo, seroprevalence was 28.9%. There were no significant differences by sex or age; however, we found more seropositives among individuals younger than 20 years. With regard to risk factors and signs and symptoms, significant associations were found with consumption of undercooked pork (OR=18; 95% CI: 5.78 to 55.9), headaches (OR=3.6; 95% CI: 1.15 to 11.4), seizures (OR=18.9; 95% CI: 2.15 to 166.5) and visual problems (OR=5.7; 95% CI: 2.13 to 15.34). Conclusions: The results showed low transmission of cysticercosis in Boquerón, and high in Punto Lindo, where the high prevalence in children suggests recent transmission.

Diagnóstico e fatores de risco do complexo teníase-cisticercose bovina no município de Salinas, Minas Gerais / Diagnosis and risk factors of bovine taeniasis-cysticercosis complex in Salinas, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Com o objetivo de diagnosticar a situação do complexo teníase-cisticercose bovina no município de Salinas, Minas Gerais, foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 355 bovinos distribuídos em 18 propriedades rurais, sorteadas aleatoriamente. Em cada propriedade, foi aplicado um questionário socioeconômico para a análise de fatores que favorecem a manutenção do complexo teníase-cisticercose bovina. Foi realizado também um levantamento epidemiológico dos casos de teníase diagnosticados nos laboratórios credenciados pela Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de Salinas, no período de 2007 a 2010. A prevalência de cisticercose bovina foi de 4,70% enquanto as prevalências de teníase, encontradas durante os quatro períodos avaliados, foram de 0,29%, 0,36%, 0,24% e 0,24%. Entre os fatores de risco para a manutenção do complexo teníase-cisticercose analisados, foi observada uma relação estatisticamente significativa entre a ocorrência de cisticercose bovina e a ingestão de carne malpassada pelos entrevistados. Foi concluído que a cisticercose bovina está presente no município de Salinas, Minas Gerais, sendo o tratamento térmico ineficiente da carne bovina o principal fator de risco para a manutenção do complexo teníase-cisticercose, o que reforça a necessidade da adoção de medidas de controle com contínua vigilância epidemiológica e sanitária.(AU)

In order to diagnose the situation of bovine taeniasis-cysticercosis complex in the municipality of Salinas, Minas Gerais, Brazil, blood samples were collected from 355 cattle in 18 randomly selected farms. A socioeconomic questionnaire was filled in each farm for the analysis of factors which favor the maintenance of the taeniasis-cysticercosis complex. An epidemiological survey of human taeniasis was performed through analyses of the Municipal Health Department in the 2007-2010 period. A prevalence of 4.7% for bovine cysticercosis and the frequency of 0.29, 0.36, 0.24 and 0.24% for human taeniasis, during the evaluated period, was found. Among the risk factors, a statistically significant correlation was found between the occurrence of bovine cysticercosis and the ingestion of undercooked meat. It was concluded that bovine cysticercosis is present in the municipality of Salinas, due to inefficient heat treatment of the meat as the main risk factor for maintenance of the taeniasis-cysticercosis complex, reinforcing the need to adopt control measures with continuous epidemiological and health surveillance.(AU)

A non-hepatotropic parasite infection increases mortality in the acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure murine model: possible roles for IL-5 and IL-6

We evaluated the effects of a non-hepatotropic parasite infection (Taenia crassiceps) on the outcome of acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure in mice. Uninfected and T. crassiceps infected mice orally received either 300 mg/kg acetaminophen or water as vehicle (n = 5 per group). Survival analysis, hepatocyte necrosis, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, CYP2E1 protein, interleukin (IL-) 5, and IL-6 were assessed for all groups. All infected mice died within 16 h after exposure to acetaminophen (Tc+APAP group), whereas only one-third of uninfected animals exposed to acetaminophen (APAP group) died. Uninfected (Control group) and infected (Tc group) mice that received the vehicle showed no liver damage. Tc+APAP mice exhibited massive liver necrosis characterised by marked balloning degeneration of hepatocytes and higher serum ALT compared to Control, Tc, and APAP animals. Liver tissue from Tc+APAP mice also displayed increased expression of CYP2E1 protein and higher mRNA and protein levels of IL-5 and IL-6 compared to the other groups. These findings suggest that non-hepatotropic parasite infections may increase mortality following acute liver failure by promoting hepatocyte necrosis via IL-5 and IL-6-dependent CYP2E1 overproduction. This study identifies new potential risk factors associated with severe acute liver failure in patients.

Mielopatía secundaria a neurocisticercosis racemosa cerebral y espinal / Myelopathy secondary to cerebral and spinal neurocysticercosis

La neurocisticercosis es la enfermedad parasitaria más frecuente del sistema nervioso central, pero la presentación espinal de esta patolog¡a es infrecuente, presentando una mayor incidencia en pa¡ses en v¡as de desarrollo como el nuestro. Presentamos el caso cl¡nico de un paciente var¢n de 61 a¤os de edad diagnosticado de neurocisticercosis subaracnoidea generalizada con compromiso cerebral y medular adem s de la secundaria presentación de hidrocefalia hipertensiva y compresión de la medula espinal, esta última se caracterizó la por la aparición de paraparesia, alteraciones en la sensibilidad y retención urinaria. El diagnóstico final se hizo mediante una resonancia magnética, por ello hemos de destacar la importancia de la neuroimagen en el diagnóstico definitivo de esta patolog¡a.

Neurocysticercosis is the most common CNS parasitic disease but spinal presentation of this condition is rare, with a higher incidence in developing countries like ours. We report the case of a male patient 61 of age diagnosed with generalized neurocysticercosis in addition to the secondary presentation of hypertensive hydrocephalus and compression of the spinal cord, the latter is characterized by the appearance of paraparesis, changes in sensitivity and urinary retention. The final diagnosis was made by an MRI, so we have to emphasize the importance of neuroimaging in the definitive diagnosis of this disease.

Testing pigs of non-technified rearing farms for serum antibodies against Taenia solium in a region of the state of São Paulo, Brazil / Anticorpos séricos contra Taenia solium em suínos de criações não tecnificadas em uma região do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Taenia solium is a zoonotic tapeworm of great importance in developing countries, due to the occurrence of human taeniasis and cysticercosis. Pigs have an important role in the biological cycle of the parasite as intermediate hosts. The scientific literature has been describing risk factors associated with the occurrence of this disease that must be avoided in countries with poor sanitation, in order to reduce the exposure of swine to the parasite eggs. This research focused on testing pigs of non-technified rearing farms for serum antibodies against Taenia solium in the region of Jaboticabal municipality, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The found prevalence was 6.82% (CI 95% 4.18 - 9.45) at animal level and 28.87% (CI 95% 16.74 - 40.40) at herd level. These figures are probably associated with low technification adoption during animal rearing in the studied area, which increased the exposure of the animals to risk factors associated with the occurrence of Taenia solium complex. The results found based on serological evidences of swine cysticercosis in the studied region serves as a warning to public sanitary authorities to improve public health and control T. solium.

A Taenia solium é uma importante zoonose com grande importância em países em desenvolvimento, devido a ocorrência de teníase e cisticercose em humanos. Os suínos possuem grande importância no ciclo biológico desse parasita como hospedeiros intermediários. A literatura científica descreve alguns fatores de risco associados com a ocorrência da enfermidade e que devem ser evitados em países com baixo saneamento básico a fim de reduzir a exposição dos suínos aos ovos do parasita. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar a presença de anticorpos séricos contra Taenia solium em suínos de criações não tecnificadas na região do Município de Jaboticabal, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. A prevalência estabelecida foi de 6,82% (IC 95% 4,18 - 9,45) a nível animal e 28,87% (IC 16,74 - 40,40) nos rebanhos. Isso está provavelmente associado ao baixo nível de tecnificação adotado durante a criação dos animais na área avaliada, o qual aumenta a exposição dos animais aos fatores de risco associados ao complexo Taenia solium. Os resultados da ocorrência de cisticercose suína baseados em evidências sorológicas na região avaliada servem como um alerta as autoridades sanitárias para promover a saúde pública e controlar a Taenia solium.

Diagnóstico do complexo teníase-cisticercose bovina em São João Evangelista, Minas Gerais, Brasil / Diagnosis of Bovine Taeniasis-Cysticercosis Complex in São João Evangelista, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Com o objetivo de diagnosticar a situação do complexo teníase-cisticercose bovina em Minas Gerais, Brasil, foi selecionado o município de São João Evangelista, onde foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 339 bovinos em 15 propriedades rurais, sorteadas aleatoriamente. Em cada propriedade, foi aplicado um questionário socioeconômico para a análise de fatores que favorecem a manutenção do complexo teníase-cisticercose bovina. Foi realizado também o diagnóstico de teníase humana por meio de exame coproparasitológico dos habitantes das propriedades. Encontrou-se a prevalência de 4,1% para cisticercose bovina e a frequência de 2,94% para teníase humana. Entre os fatores de risco para a manutenção do complexo teníase-cisticercose analisados, foi observada uma relação estatisticamente significativa (P=0,042) entre a ocorrência de cisticercose bovina e a ingestão de carne malpassada pelos entrevistados. Concluiu-se que a cisticercose bovina está presente no município de São João Evangelista, MG, em índices considerados endêmicos, sendo o consumo de carne malpassada e não inspecionada o principal fator de risco para a manutenção do complexo teníase-cisticercose, o que reforça a necessidade da adoção de medidas de controle com contínua vigilância epidemiológica e sanitária.

In order to diagnose the situation of bovine taeniasis-cysticercosis complex in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, the city of São João Evangelista was selected, and blood samples were collected from 339 cattle in 15 randomly selected farms. A socioeconomic questionnaire was filled in each property for the analysis of the factors that favor the maintenance of the taeniasis-cysticercosis complex. Additionally, there was the diagnosis of human taeniasis verified by stool examinations of the properties' inhabitants. A prevalence of 4.1% for bovine cysticercosis and the frequency of 2.94% for human taeniasis were found. Among the risk factors, a statistically significant relation (p = 0.042) was found between the occurrence of bovine cysticercosis and the ingestion of undercooked meat. It was concluded that bovine cysticercosis is broadly distributed in the city of São João Evangelista, with rates considered endemic, being the consumption of raw and not-inspected meat the main risk factors for the maintenance of complex taeniasis-cysticercosis, reinforcing the need to adopt control measures with continuous epidemiological and health surveillance.

Características favoráveis ao controle do complexo teníase-cisticercose em uma região rural de Minas Gerais, Brasil* / Favorable caracteristic for control of taenisis-cysticercosis complex in a rural region of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar as características epidemiológicas do complexo teníase-cisticercose na zona rural do município de Divinésia-MG. Para tanto, realizou-se coleta de 243 amostras de fezes humanas, 435 amostras de soro bovino e 56 de soro suíno. Além disso, foi aplicado questionário para coleta de informações sobre as características socioeconômicas e higiênico-sanitárias da população amostrada. Não foram encontrados animais positivos ao teste ELISA indireto e Immunoblot para cisticercose suína e bovina, nem ovos de Taenia sp. em amostras de fezes humanas. Verificou-se que, apesar da população estudada possuir renda mensal baixa, as famílias residiam em casas bem estruturadas, com banheiro e rede de esgoto, realizavam tratamento antiparasitário de rotina, não consumiam carne malpassada, e vermifugavam os bezerros. Essas características contribuem para o controle do complexo teníase-cisticercose, justificando os resultados obtidos neste estudo.

This survey was developed with the objective to assess the epidemiological characteristics of the complex taeniasis-cysticercosis in rural municipality of Divinésia, Minas Gerais, Brazil. A survey was conducted in 87 rural properties randomly sampled. Blood samples were collected from 56 pigs and 435 bovine and collect 243 human feces samples. A questionnaire survey was carried out to collect information about the animal health and socio-economic characteristics. There were no cases of porcine and bovine cysticercosis or taeniasis. It was found that despite the population studied have low monthly income, families living in houses well structured, with toilet and sewage, treatment with antiparasitic, not underdone meat consumed, and dewormed calves. These features contribute to the control of complex taeniasis-cysticercosis explaining the findings of this prevalence in rural municipality. K