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Background: The parasitic infection caused by Taenia solium represents a significant public health concern in developing countries. Larval invasion of body tissues leads to cysticercosis (CC), while central nervous system (CNS) involvement results in neurocysticercosis (NCC). Both conditions exhibit diverse clinical manifestations, and the potential impact of concomitant HIV infection especially prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa on peripheral and CNS immune responses remains poorly understood. This study aimed to identify the potential impact of HIV coinfection in CC and NCC patients. Methodology: A nested study within a cross-sectional analysis in two Tanzanian regions was performed and 234 participants (110 HIV+ and 124 HIV-) were tested for cysticercosis antibodies, antigens, CD4 counts and serum Th1 and Th2 cytokines via multiplex bead-based immunoassay. 127 cysticercosis seropositive individuals underwent cranial computed tomography (CCT) and clinical symptoms were assessed. Multiple regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with cytokine modulation due to HIV in CC and NCC patients. Results: Serologically, 18.8% tested positive for cysticercosis antibodies, with no significant difference HIV+ and HIV+. A significantly higher rate of cysticercosis antigen positivity was found in HIV+ individuals (43.6%) compared to HIV- (28.2%) (p = 0.016). CCT scans revealed that overall 10.3% had active brain cysts (NCC+). Our study found no significant changes in the overall cytokine profiles between HIV+ and HIV- participants coinfected CC and NCC, except for IL-5 which was elevated in HIV+ individuals with cysticercosis. Furthermore, HIV infection in general was associated with increased levels of pro-and some anti-inflammatory cytokines e.g. TNF-α, IL-8, and IFN-γ. However, based on the interaction analyses, no cytokine changes were observed due to HIV in CC or NCC patients. Conclusions: In conclusion, while HIV infection itself significantly modulates levels of key cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-8, and IFN-γ, it does not modulate any cytokine changes due to CC or NCC. This underscores the dominant influence of HIV on the immune system and highlights the importance of effective antiretroviral therapy in managing immune responses in individuals coinfected with HIV and CC/NCC. Author summary: Our study evaluates the interplay of immune responses in individuals coinfected with HIV and neurocysticercosis (NCC) in resource-limited settings. We analyzed cytokine profiles among 234 participants, discovering that HIV infection significantly modulates various key cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-8, and IFN-γ. Notably, our results indicate that while HIV has a dominant influence on cytokine levels, it does not cause additional cytokine alterations specifically due to NCC. This suggests that the immunomodulatory effects of NCC are minimal in the presence of HIV, pointing to the overarching impact of HIV on the immune system. Our findings emphasize the complexity of immune responses in coinfected individuals and underscore the critical role of effective antiretroviral therapy. Insights from our study are crucial for refining therapeutic strategies in managing such complex coinfections in endemic regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study assessed the effect of a school deworming program on Taenia solium (the pork tapeworm) which started in 2002 in Tanzania. Mbulu district was selected because several studies including clinical trials were conducted in the district. Despite the school deworming and intervention conducted, the area is reported with high human T. solium cysticercosis and related epileptic cases. We assessed the deworming performed by the local government in collaboration with the Neglected Tropical Disease Control (NTD) program among school children. The infection by age, sex, and household along with community and risk factors were assessed. High human T. solium cysticercosis was reported along with high household and community risk factors. The deworming seemed to have positive effect amongyounger age groups but with no significant difference in other, older age groups. This shows that there is a re-infection of younger age groups compared to untreated adults. Thus, it is recommended to scale up deworming to adult age groups. Background: Taeniosis and cysticercosis are human infections caused by the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. This study is a baseline for community-based intervention. We determined the prevalence of human cysticercosis and associated risk factors following a deworming program conducted throughout the country, with Mbulu District being among the districts in Northern Tanzania. Methods: Human cysticercosis was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Ag- ELISA). Household interviews and observations were conducted to identify risk factors for cysticercosis transmissions among households and communities. Results: Three hundred individuals participated in this study. The age ranged from 5 to 89 years, with a median of 19 years. The prevalence of human cysticercosis was 23 (7.67%). The prevalence was high with 6 (11.76%) among individuals aged 26 to 35 years and ±45 years. There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence by age group, sex, or occupation. Among the 300 participants, 82 (27.3%) had received anthelmintics during the previous year; among these, 5 (21.7%) were infected. The likelihood of infection was low among anthelmintic users by 28% [0.72 (0.26–2.01)], but the protection was not significant. The communities differed in risk factors on the availability of a clean and safe water supply; 52.7% (46/86) of households visited had no pit latrine. The cysticercosis prevalence showed a significant difference in communities. Conclusions: The prevalence of human cysticercosis was high and associated with higher age groups. The prevalence was low among those who had taken anthelmintics and was associated with lower age groups. The current school deworming program has a positive effect on school children, while the elderly are at higher risk because the intervention did not target them. It is recommended to scale up anthelmintic intervention to higher age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tuberculosis remains a significant global health concern, especially for People Living with HIV, who are at an increased risk of severe TB disease. Despite the availability of TB Preventive Treatment, knowledge gaps persist among People Living with HIV regarding its importance, accessibility, and administration. The study aimed to assess TPT knowledge levels and determinants among People Living with HIV in Tanzania., Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from April to May 2023 in 12 regions of mainland Tanzania. The study included PLHIV aged 18 years and above, receiving HIV care in selected Care and Treatment Centers. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics and Tuberculosis preventive treatment knowledge. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analyses were employed for data analysis., Results: Out of the 391 People Living with HIV interviewed, 71.4% demonstrated adequate Tuberculosis preventive treatment knowledge. Female participants, those attending urban health facilities, and individuals with longer durations of HIV care exhibited higher Tuberculosis preventive treatment knowledge levels. However, knowledge disparities persisted based on demographic characteristics such as gender and location of health facilities., Conclusion: While a considerable portion of People Living with HIV demonstrated adequate higher Tuberculosis preventive treatment knowledge, addressing gaps among those with lower understanding is crucial. Targeted education campaigns tailored to the needs of People Living with HIV, especially in rural areas and among male populations, are essential. Collaborative efforts between national health programs and community organizations are vital to integrate Tuberculosis preventive treatment awareness effectively into comprehensive HIV care programs, ultimately reducing the burden of Tuberculosis among People Living with HIV and the general population., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist, (Copyright: © 2024 Alexander et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)