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Background: Porcine cysticercosis, caused by Cysticercus cellulosae a larval stage of adult Taenia solium, is a zoonotic parasitic disease where pigs harbour intermediate stage and human being acts as a definite host. The people of north eastern region of India are mostly non-vegetarian and consumption of pork is very much preferred by the people of this region. Hence, it is essential to detect C. cellulosae infections in pork. But traditional method of detection of C. cellulosae by post mortem examination of pork has disadvantages like need of expert and may be over lookedin case of light infections. Molecular diagnosis have been reported to be highly specific and sensitive for its diagnosis. Keeping in view of the above, the present study on molecular detection of larval cestode C. cellulosae of pigs was undertaken. A study on phylogenetic relation of C. cellulosae of pigs or human Taenae solium of this region was done to know its relation with other parts of the world, as not yet done so far. Methods: A total of 654 pig carcasses in 17 market places of three prime districts of state Arunachal Pradesh, India were examined to detect Cysticercus cellulosae of pigs. The cysticerci samples were obtained manually from the infected muscles and organs of the infected pigs that were preserved in phosphate buffer saline until DNA extraction. Stool samples of human patients who attended out-patient department (OPD) of Community Health Centers, Nursing homes and District etc. of study area of Aunachal Pradesh, India were collected randomly and examined by salt flotation technique for the presence of T. solium eggs. The segments of tapeworm voided by patientswere then identified for species identification and T. solium segments were collected in normal saline solutions (NSS) after clearing the debris and faecal materials. Genomic DNA extraction from 3-4 numbers of cysticerci and T. solium segments collected from affected human being were extractedusing a spin column kit (D Neasy tissue kit: QUIGEN). The technique polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with published primers were used for molecular detection of C. cellulosae and to get molecular (PCR) products of T. solium for further study. The mitochondrial gene cytochrome b oxidase subunit was amplified by PCR. The PCR products were purified, sequenced and phylogenetic tree was constructed using the neighbor-joining method. Result: The present study recorded a PCR amplification of cytochrome b oxidase genes with a definite product size of 1068 bp from DNA extracted from C. cellulosae and T. solium. The product size obtained from C. cellulosae will be helpful for meat inspection by molecular detection of C. cellulosae infections in pork. The present finding signifies that the same genomic isolate of both the larval cestode and adult parasite of T. solium is prevailing in the study areas. The neighbors-joining phylogenic tree shows close similarity of the present isolates with that prevailing in other South East Asian countries and thus it can be assumed from the present finding that the same genotypic isolate of T. solium parasite is prevalent in the whole of South East Asian region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurocysticercosis (NCC), one of the most important neuroparasitic diseases in humans, is caused by Cysticercus cellulosae, the metacestode stage of digenetic zoonotic cestode Taenia solium. The present study aims at the detection of anti-cysticercus antibodies in the sera of epileptic patients (n=26) visiting a tertiary care hospital in Nagpur, Maharashtra state, India, by an in-house developed indirect IgG-ELISA and enzyme-linked immunoelectro transfer blot (EITB) assay using different antigens (namely, Whole Cyst Antigen (WCA), Cystic Fluid Antigen (CFA), Scolex Antigen (SA), Excretory-Secretory Antigen (ESA) and Membrane-Body Antigen (MBA)) prepared from T. solium metacestodes to find out the status of NCC. An attempt has also been made for molecular detection of NCC from blood samples of those patients by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay targeted at large subunit rRNA gene of T. solium. The IgG ELISA level of anti-cysticercus antibodies against WCA, CFA, SA, ESA and MBA antigens were as follows: 19.23 %, 23.07 %, 38.46 %, 30.76 % and 15.38 %. The seroreactivity to CFA, SA and ESA was found in equal proportions in patients with ring-enhancing lesions. In the EITB assay, the lower and medium molecular weight protein bands of SA and ESA were immunodominant compared to the higher WCA and CFA peptides. PCR positivity could be observed in 34.6 % (9/26) of the patients under study. It is the first report of detecting NCC among epileptic patients of the Nagpur region of Maharashtra state in India using serological and molecular tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tapeworm infections in humans are considered to be a significant public health menace. Despite its public health importance, the data on tapeworm infection remains fragmented and underutilised. The present study reviews the overall burden and distribution of taeniasis and cysticercosis caused by Taenia solium and Taenia saginata in India by conducting a systematic review of the scientific literature based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Data from 19 eligible articles were analysed and the prevalence of T. solium –associated taeniasis/cysticercosis was found to be 11.06% (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.856 to 16.119) and the prevalence of T. saginata –associated taeniasis was found to be 4.7% (95% CI 3.301 to 6.301). This systematic review and meta-analysis provides a comprehensive analysis of the available literature on tapeworm infections and assesses the burden of Taenia infection from India, identifying areas of high prevalence requiring active surveillance and public health interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Porcine cysticercosis, caused by metacestodes of Taenia solium is an important neglected zoonosis. We evaluated the presence of anti-cysticercal antibodies and T. solium specific DNA in pig sera and blood samples respectively collected from Maharashtra, India. Methods: A total of three antigens (Scolex Antigen (SA), Membrane Body Antigen (MBA) and Excretory-Secretory Antigen (ESA)) were prepared from metacestodes of T. solium and employed in an in-house developed indirect-IgG ELISA for serological screening of 1000 porcine sera samples at Department of Veterinary Public Health, Nagpur Veterinary College, Maharashtra, India. The ELISA positive sera samples were subjected to EITB Assay for detection of immunodominant peptides. An effort has been made for molecular detection of porcine cysticercosis by PCR assay targeting large subunit rRNA gene of T. solium from blood samples of the corresponding ELISA-positive pigs. Results: The overall seroprevalence of porcine cysticercosis employing SA, MBA and ESA was 12.6%, 8.7% and 12.5% respectively. The lower and medium molecular weight peptides were the most frequently recognised in EITB assay. The numbers of bands recognised in EITB assay were observed to be proportionate with the corresponding ELISA O.D. values. An amplification product of 286 bp was observed in 22.98% (20/87), 30.35% (30/99) and 17.14% (12/70) of the sero-positive samples against SA, ESA and MBA respectively. Conclusion: EITB still remains the gold standard serodiagnosis test for cysticercosis. The inclusion of a greater number of positive samples and purification of antigens may improve the diagnostic efficacy of the tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taenia solium cysticercosis is a potentially eradicable neglected zoonotic disease with public health importance. The genetic lineages of T. solium in Asia and Africa/America are distinct and the genetic composition of the parasite was found to influence the clinical symptoms in patients with cysticercosis. In the present study, the Cysticerci collected from pigs of two southern states of India (Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh) were genetically characterized based on mitochondrial (COX 1 and Cyt b) and ribosomal (ITS‐1 and TBR) DNA markers. The study confirms the existence of two mitochondrial lineages of the parasite as Asian and African/American. Cytochrome oxidase 1 (COX 1) based analysis revealed the existence of two sub‐lineages of the parasite within the Asian lineage based on the polymorphism at 994 position as 994A/G. In India, both the sub‐lineages were identified and genetic divergence among different Indian isolates was evident. Further, the sequence analysis of Cytochrome B (Cyt b) revealed the existence of six sub‐lineages of T. solium in India as 69T/69G, 97A/97G as well as 264T/264C. The analysis of nucleotide sequence of large subunit ribosomal DNA (TBR) revealed the existence of two sub‐lineages in India based on the deletion of a nucleotide at 624th position. The cysts collected in the present study were more closely related to those of China and Indonesia than with other Indian isolates. Further, the sequence analysis did not indicate the presence of Taenia asiatica in the examined pigs and African/American lineages of T. solium. The results of the present study help to better understand the genetic diversity of T. solium in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A meta-analysis of 27 studies systematically obtained from online free databases spanned over period from 2000 to 2019 from different parts of India was done. The pooled estimate of porcine cysticercosis prevalence using random effect model was found 5.21% with 95% CI as 4.04% to 6.52% and 95% PI 1.62%-15.46%. A wide variation in the prevalence estimates among studies under this analysis was observed which is confirmed through Q statistics =1322.38 (P=0.000). Substantial heterogeneity was observed between studies which is significant (I2=96.52; p=<0.0001 and Tau squared value =0.0341) considering the diversity of populations reported in recruited studies. The sub-group analysis showed significantly higher prevalence in South region followed by North, North-east and West region of India. As regards the methods employed for detection of cysticerci from pigs, it was found that serological method showed higher rate of prevalence. A prevalence of 10.66% (95% CI=5.63% to 15.95%) is reported from those studies which used serological methods whereas carcass examination which is the frequently adopted method detected only 3.71% prevalence (95% CI =2.77% to 4.78%) and other methods such as molecular and histopathological studies for prevalence detected cysticercosis in 4.19% (95% CI=2.61% to 5.99%) carcasses over the study period under this meta-analysis. Considering its zoonotic significance as well as economic losses to pork industry, control strategies for PCC need to be devised with regards to health monitoring, hygienic meat practices coupled with education to both the producers and consumers through one health approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a parasitic disease of the central nervous system, which is caused by the metacestode of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. The present unicentric, hospital-based, cross-sectional study was undertaken to assess the contribution of NCC as a cause of active epilepsy among patients attending a tertiary health care center in Assam, India. Materials and Methods: Over a period of 2 years, 152 active epilepsy patients were investigated based on clinical, epidemiological, neuroimaging (contrast-enhanced computerized tomography), and immunological techniques to establish the diagnosis of NCC. A precoded questionnaire was administered to patients and/or guardians to collect detailed medical history. Results: Ninety-three cases (61.2%) fulfilled either definitive or probable diagnostic criteria for NCC. Anti-cysticercus immunoglobulin G antibodies were detected by ELISA and enzyme electro-immune transfer blot in 69 (45.4%) active epilepsy patients. Seroprevalence was higher in males, 46.6% (54/116); than in females, 41.7% (15/36), and increased significantly with age; peaking in the 20–39 years age group (36/76; χ2 = 5.64; P = 0.02). Among the seropositive cases, 54 (78.3%) were diagnosed with NCC. A significantly higher number of seropositive individuals were diagnosed with NCC in the 20–39 years age group as compared to the 40 years and above age group (χ2 = 6.28; P = 0.01). The association between seropositivity for NCC, and the number of lesions in the brain was statistically significant (χ2 = −8.33; P = 0.003). Conclusions: This study indicates that NCC is a major cause of active epilepsy in Assam. A high prevalence of pediatric NCC is also a major concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the leading cause of epilepsy in the developing world and is also the most common parasitic infection of the Central Nervous System (CNS). The disease is one of the "major neglected diseases" as per World Health Organisation (WHO). There is an immense burden of epilepsy in the developing countries like India, but little is known about its cause. Data regarding the prevalence of epilepsy due to NCC is unavailable in many regions in India though in some areas it is reported more frequently. Aim: To estimate the seroprevalence of NCC among epilepsy patients in Southern India. Materials and Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Stanley Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, among epilepsy patients attending neurology clinic for a period of one year (August 2011-September 2012). All the participants were evaluated for NCC by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and detection of Taenia solium (T. solium) anticysticercal antibody by Enzyme Immuno Transfer Blot (EITB) and Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA). The statistical analysis was done by Chi-square test using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software (version 19.0). Results: In the present study, of the 100 epilepsy cases studied, about 20% of the participants had MRI findings suggestive of NCC and colloidal vesicular stage was the most common stage (11%). Anti-cysticercal antibodies were detected in 27% by EITB and 16% by ELISA. However, there was no statistical significant association between seropositivity type of epilepsy and MRI findings. In comparison to EITB, the sensitivity and specificity of ELISA were 59.3% and 90.4% respectively. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggests that there has been an exposure of NCC in this population and hence this disease should be considered in all epilepsy cases for appropriate treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taenia solium cysticercosis is a neglected zoonosis that affects people throughout much of the developing world. The disease is endemic in Punjab state of India and controlling it is a public health challenge. No studies have been conducted to quantify the risk of T. solium exposure from consuming pork produced in the state. A stochastic quantitative risk assessment (QRA) model was constructed to understand the risk of human T. solium infection from consuming pork produced in Punjab. Input data were collected from official records, published literature, active surveillance and specifically for this study. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the influence of the input parameters on the main output probability that any one pork meal is infective (contains at least one viable cyst) at consumption. The probability of any pork meal in Punjab containing at least one viable T. solium cyst post‐storage and post‐cooking was median 5.57 × 10‐4 (95% PI 1.06 × 10‐4—1.95 × 10‐3). Sobol' sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the most influential input parameters on consumption of a pork meal with at least one viable T. solium were the probability that a meal is insufficiently cooked to render cysts unviable, and the proportion of infected carcasses following informal slaughter. Whilst improved sanitation and hygiene can prevent cysticercosis in people, efforts to reduce the prevalence of T. solium cysts in pig carcases by preventing pigs' access to human waste, increasing meat inspection and promoting effective cooking practices are also important to reduce this source of taeniasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cysticercosis is a Parasitic disease caused by the larval form of the pork tapeworm Taenia solium. This disease is a major health concern especially in developing world including India but its incidence is underestimated. Not too many cases of isolated intramuscular cysticercosis have been reported in pediatric population. Here we report a case of 4 years old female child presented with swelling over left lower chest over 3-4 months, diagnosed with intramuscular cysticercosis by ultrasonography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• EITB is the only serological tool acceptable for Neurocysticercosis diagnosis. • Commercially available ELISA is unsuitable for NCC diagnosis in endemic regions. • Detection of any band of <50 kDa was not associated with NCC in rural populations. • 15 kDa band had significant association with NCC in both study groups. • 17 kDa and 35 kDa bands were linked to degenerating cyst and multiple cysticerci. Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is infection by cestode Taenia solium/ pork tapeworm. Sero-diagnosis of NCC is still a challenge. Radiological imaging (CT/MRI) are cost intensive, requires technical expertise and resource intensive. Hence, its availability is restricted in endemic zone. Existing Enzyme electro immune transfer blot (EITB) antigens are difficult to make and is not standardized for endemic population. Therefore, there is a definite need for easy and reliable EITB tool. T. solium metacestode were harvested from naturally infected swine post slaughter. The cyst fluid/vesicular fluid was aspirated and processed with ultracentrifugation and immune blot was performed with this antigen. A total of 406 cases [rural 256 (NCC 78, seizures other than NCC 108 and healthy controls 70); urban 150 (NCC 41, seizures other than NCC 59 and healthy controls 50)] were enrolled. Positive EITB (detection of band <50 kDa) was significantly associated with NCC patients of urban population only (p < 0.001) but not in rural populations (p = 0.292). However, identification of 15 kDa band had significant association with NCC both in urban and rural populations with overall sensitivity of 91.5% and specificity of 91.6%. Presence of 35 kDa band was associated with multiple NCC (p < 0.001). The study shows that 15 kDa reactive band on EITB is highly sensitive and specific for diagnosis of NCC in endemic population. Presence of 35 kDa band on EITB was associated with infection by multiple cysticerci. The observations demand purification of cyst fluid antigens to develop simple and easy to execute test in field studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is one of the commonly Neglected tropical disease worldwide. Improvement in Living conditions with better diagnostics can reduce the incidence of this disease. The burden of NCC is high in areas with poor socio-economic development. Despite high prevalence in India, the diagnostic challenge remains especially when differentiating from tuberculosis which is also common in the same setting. We describe a novel and rapid diagnostic method for NCC, which might add to our diagnostic Repertoire. Methods: It was prospective case control study involving consecutive patients of definite and probable NCC at a tertiary teaching hospital in Northern India. LAMP assay in urine was performed in all the patients. LAMP amplified target Taenia solium cox1 gene at 60°C in 120min. The results were compared with 24 controls. The specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value and negative value were calculated using a 2X 2 contingency table. Results: Total of 58 patients recruited, 53 were definitive NCC and 5 had probable NCC based on Del Brutto criteria and 24 volunteers were taken as control all of them underwent urine LAMP of T. solium. T. solium cox1 gene was detected in 60% of Urine samples in patients of NCC, overall specificity of LAMP assay was 92%. The negative predictive value and positive predictive value of real time LAMP assay was 50% and 95%. Conclusions: Conclusion: Real time urine LAMP assay for T. solium gene offers noninvasive, cost effective and rapid method to detect Taenia parasite in patients, in Addition to available investigations. Specially in resource limited setting of endemic countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major source of epilepsy is Neurocysticercosis (NCC), caused by Taenia solium infection. Solitary cysticercus granuloma (SCG), a sub-group of NCC induced epilepsy, is the most common form of NCC in India. Current diagnostic criteria for SCG epilepsy require brain imaging which may not be available in communities where the disease is endemic. Identification of serum changes and potential biomolecules that could distinguish SCG epilepsy from idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IE), without the initial need for imaging, could assist in disease identification, understanding, and treatment. The objective here was to investigate, using mass spectrometry (MS), sera biomolecule differences between patients with SCG epilepsy or IE to help distinguish these disorders based on physiological differences, to understand underlying phenotypes and mechanisms, and to lay ground work for future therapeutic and biomarker analyses. Sera were obtained from patients with SCG or IE (N = 29 each group). Serum mass peak profiling was performed with electrospray ionization (ESI) MS, and mass peak area means in the two groups were compared using leave one [serum sample] out cross validation (LOOCV). Serum LOOCV analysis identified significant differences between SCG and IE patient groups (p = 10−20), which became non-significant (p = 0.074) when the samples were randomly allocated to the groups and reanalyzed. Tandem MS/MS peptide analysis of serum mass peaks from SCG or IE patients was performed to help identify potential peptide/protein biochemical and phenotypic changes involving these two forms of epilepsy. Bioinformatic analysis of these peptide/protein changes suggested neurological, inflammatory, seizure, blood brain barrier, cognition, ion channel, cell death, and behavior related biochemical systems were being altered in these disease states. This study provides groundwork for aiding in distinguishing SCG and IE patients in minimally invasive, lower-cost manners, for improving understanding of underlying epilepsy mechanisms, and for further identifying discriminatory biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a parasitic infection acquired by consuming food and water contaminated by the faeces of a Taenia solium tapeworm carrier. It is an important cause of acquired seizures and also the common identifiable cause of new-onset seizures in children. A hospital-based prospective cross-sectional study of NCC was undertaken in a medical college in north-west India. All patients aged 1–15 years admitted to the paediatric emergency room with a first-onset seizure were selected.NCC was diagnosed and staged on the basis of MRI findings. A structured, pretested schedule was administered to each patient's parent for analysis of risk factors for NCC. Of 79 patients with first-onset seizure, 43 (54.4% were diagnosed with NCC based on MRI findings. The association of NCC with age and pig-rearing near the patients' homes was statistically significant (p = 0.01 and 0.02, respectively). The association between NCC and other risk factors such as gender, religion, father's occupation, parents' literacy, source and storage of drinking water, the washing and peeling of fruit and vegetables and distance of refuse disposal from residential areas was not statistically significant. Although open defaecation is an important risk factor for transmission of NCC, there was no significant association with NCC. In India, NCC is a common cause of first-onset seizure. The major risk factors are poor environmental sanitation and poor food and drinking water hygiene. NCC can be controlled and prevented by generating awareness of hygienic consumption of food and water and the provision of good sanitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taenia solium cysticercosis is a major public health problem in developing countries. Swine cysticercosis results in economic losses for pig farmers in disease endemic areas. Consumption of cysticercotic pork leads to taeniasis in humans. Eggs excreted in the faeces of T. solium carriers disseminate to humans and pigs through the faecal–oral route, thus maintaining the life cycle in endemic areas. An enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) assay was developed using whole crude T. solium cysticercus antigens (WCA) for the diagnosis of swine cysticercosis. Sera from 30 swine with cysticercosis confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging were subjected to EITB assay. Sera from 50 swine that were raised in a government farm and not allowed to roam freely were included as negative controls. Two or more bands of 8, 11, 14, 24, 26 and 29 kDa were immunoreactive on blot with sera from all infected swine except two, and none from swine raised on the government farm. The overall sensitivity and specificity of EITB assay for diagnosis of swine cysticercosis were 93.3% and 100%, respectively. Hence, EITB assay based on WCA may be a suitable diagnostic tool for swine cysticercosis in endemic areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is caused by the larval stage of Taenia Solium. Neurocysticercosis is the most common cause of acquired epilepsy in developing countries. In India NCC has been identified as a significant cause of seizures. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted on 150 children of NCC up to 18 years of age in a tertiary care hospital. The diagnosis was based on clinical and laboratory/radiological evaluation of the patients. Socio-clinical, radiological and serological data of the patients were analysed. Results: A total of 150 children were enrolled in this study. The commonest age group of the cases in this study was six to 10 years. Male to female ratio was 1.8:1. The largest percentage of cases belonged to upper lower class (56%) and lowest was 4% in upper class. Sixty percent subjects were non vegetarian. Seizures were the most common presentation (96%). Headache was present in 44% cases. Single lesion was commonest type of lesion on radiological examination with frontal cortex as most commonly involved area of brain. Stage II NCC was commonest type of lesion on MRI. EEG was abnormal in 38% cases. Serum ELISA for cysticercosis was positive in 10% cases. Number of lesions was not associated with age group, type of seizure or any particular area of brain. Conclusion: Stage II NCC the commonest type of NCC. Single lesion NCC was more common than multiple lesions. All cases with atypical presentation and positive ELISA had multiple lesions. Frontal portion of cortex was most commonly involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taeniasis is an endemic parasitic infection of developing countries, including India. It is caused by pork (Taenia solium), beef (Taenia saginata), and Asian (Taenia asiatica) tapeworms and the route of transmission is faeco-oral. It usually occurs due to ingestion of uncooked green leafy vegetables, undercooked meat or unsafe drinking water contaminated with faeces. The mode of presentation can be severe in the form of Neurocysticercosis (brain) or solitary muscular cysticercosis. Neurocysticercosis can prove to be fatal and life-threatening in the form of seizures and focal neurological signs. Diagnosis of cysticercosis is usually based on direct stool examination for eggs on three consecutive days or proglottids of the tapeworm, serological tests such as Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and radiological imaging for confirmation. Here, a rare and very interesting case of cysticercosis was reported in temporalis muscle in a young female. The patient presented with only a solitary swelling in preauricular region. Both radiological and microbiological investigations played a very vital role in the diagnosis and the patient was finally diagnosed as a case of muscular cysticercosis. She was started on conservative treatment with Albendazole and steroids for two weeks. Repeat radiological scans showed improvement in her swelling and complete resolution in about a month. Cysticercosis of temporalis muscle is in itself a very rare event and there are only a few reported cases in literature. The present case was also unique in terms of localisation of the cyst as it was inside the superficial fibers and fascia of the muscle and not intramuscularly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cysticercosis is a parasitic infection caused by larval form of Taenia Solium. It is endemic in developing countries like India. A handful of cases of eyelid cysticercosis have been reported in the literature till now, despite quite high incidence of brain and ocular involvement. Here we report a case of eyelid mass in 26 yr old female. The surgical excision of mass was done and diagnosed as a case of isolated cysticercosis on imaging and histopathological examaination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of socio-economy, customs and sanitation levels on the prevalence of Taenia solium infection was studied in people belonging to three different cultural groups, i.e., tribal, non-tribal and harijan in the Nagaon, Morigaon and Karbi Anglong district of Assam, Northeast India. A total of 150 (50 from each district) samples were surveyed by questionnaire and stool sample of each respondent was also examined. In the study, taeniasis was found to be 12.00 per cent (18 out of 150). Highest infection (15.62%) was found in harijan community and lowest (7.40%) in non-tribals. Effect of levels of sanitation, food habits, literacy status and the sources of income on the prevalence of taeniasis was studied irrespective of cultural groups. In all the Taenia positive cases, the effect of levels of sanitation and food habits was highly significant (P<0.01) but the levels of literacy status had only significant effect (P<0.05). Though, taeniasis was related to the sources of income, yet, the effect was nonsignificant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To present a retrospective study from patients with spinal cysticercosis (SC), diagnosed within the last 30 years in Mexican and Indian neurological referral centers.Methods: This is a retrospective and comparative study of the clinical and radiological profile between Mexican and Indian patients with spinal neurocysticercosis during a 30-year period and a review of the literature during the same period.Results: Twenty-seven SC patients were included: 19 from Mexico and 8 from India. SC presented predominantly with motor symptoms (21/27 patients): paraparesis and paraplegia were the most common signs; one-third of patients presented sphincter dysfunction. Imaging studies showed that parasites in vesicular stage were more frequent in patients from Mexico, while degenerative stages predominated in India. Association of subarachnoid cysticerci and hydrocephalus was observed only in Mexican patients.Conclusions: Despite the limitations of this study, the collected information supports the existence of differences in the clinical and radiological traits of SC patients between Asian and Latin-American hospitals. The possible biological factors that may underlie these differences are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I solium i causing pig cysticercosis, this being consistent with the obtained result for human taeniasis, since 60% of the reported cases correspond to I T i . On pig Taenia solium/asiatica cysticercosis in India - Comment on 'Quantitative risk assessment of human Taenia solium exposure from consuming pork produced in Punjab, India' I solium i could be the most prevalent I Taenia i species causing pig cysticercosis in Punjab, we believe I T i . [Extracted from the article]

I solium/asiatica i is reasonable without current evidence of co-infection interactions in pigs or stronger evidence of freedom from I T i . On pig Taenia solium/asiatica cysticercosis in India - Comment on "Quantitative risk assessment of human Taenia solium exposure from consuming pork produced in Punjab, India". [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Neurocysticercosis being a potential to human transmitted disease, is the major cause of seizures and a public health problem in tropical countries. Though India is known to be highly endemic, there are many provinces where reports are still unavailable thereby underestimating its actual burden. Materials and Methods: Anti-Cysticercus IgG antibodies in sera from cases presenting with seizures were screened by ELISA in a preliminary study in Odisha state which is a province in Eastern coastal India that was never explored before. Patients presenting with recent onset of seizures within age group 5 to 50 years, either local residents of Odisha or inhabitants from other parts of the country living for at least one year period in the study area were included. Results: The present study showed 43.75% cases with seizures to be confirmed neurocysticercosis (NCC) based on serology and brain imaging. However, statistically no association was established between anti-Cysticercus antibody detection and radio imaging characteristics (location, number of lesions, and stage). Conclusion: This is the first study in Odisha presenting a series of cases with serological evidence of exposure to the parasite along with imaging characteristics which was consistent with NCC. It is recommended that NCC must be considered for a differential diagnosis in each active epilepsy case irrespective of prior prevalence information in all unexplored provinces in India and other endemic regions; also a compulsory reporting is warranted in order to aid in quantifying its actual burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Genetic analysis of T. solium cysticerci was carried out by sequencing of cox1 gene. [•] Isolates were collected from 2 different areas of North and North East India. [•] Variation in cox1 sequences of samples collected from these regions was minimal. [•] All isolates showed similarity with Asian genotype of T. solium. [•] Among 50 isolates, 6 variant nucleotide positions (0.37% of total length) were detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Porcine cysticercosis is a neglected zoonotic disease of significant veterinary and medical importance owing to its economic impact and public health significance. The present study aimed at genetic characterization of Taenia solium metacestodes in slaughtered pigs of Haryana (North India)., Methods: A total of 213 (160 and 53 from Chandigarh and Hisar, respectively) slaughtered pigs intended for human consumption were screened for the presence of T. solium metacestodes. The retrieved metacestodes were confirmed molecularly based on the partial amplification of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) gene. Evolutionary divergence, haplotype and nucleotide diversities and neutrality indices of the retrieved isolates were also assessed., Results: Out of the 213 pigs, 2 (0.94%) revealed the presence of metacestodes involving 1 pig each from Chandigarh (0.62%) and Hisar (1.9%). The sequences obtained after custom sequencing were submitted to GenBank under the accession numbers LC661682-83. The present study haplotype clustered with haplotypes of Asian origin and showed variation from other haplotypes by 1-23 mutational steps. However, the present study isolates also showed nucleotide polymorphisms (A198T, A199G, A201T, G204A, T206A, C210T, T212G, T213A, T216G/A, T217C, T221C, C524T, G994A) at different positions, which indicated the presence of sub-lineages. Low nucleotide diversity (π = 0.020) and negative value of Tajima's D (- 1.304) observed for the haplotypes under consideration was indicative of purifying selection and recent population expansion., Conclusions: Our study confirms the circulation of T. solium Asian genotype (with distinct sub-lineages) in study area and recommends strict control measures to contain the zoonotic disease., (© 2022. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences.)

Purpose: To assess the association between epilepsy and exposure to the parasites, Toxocara canis and Taenia solium in a slum-community in India. Methods: A door-to-door survey to determine the prevalence of epilepsy was carried out by trained field workers. For every case, one age- and gender-matched control was selected from the same community. Serologic evaluation was carried out to detect antibodies against T. canis and T. solium. Key Findings: The crude prevalence of active epilepsy was 7.2 per 1,000. We enrolled 114 people with active epilepsy and 114 controls. The prevalence of antibodies to T. canis was similar in people with active epilepsy (4.7%; 5 of 106 people) and in controls (5.7%; 6 of 106 people). The prevalence of antibodies to T. solium was 25.5% (27 of 106) in people with active epilepsy, significantly higher than in controls (12.3%; 13 of 106 cases; p = 0.02). Adjusted conditional (fixed-effects) logistic regression estimated an odds ratio of 2.8 (95% confidence interval 1.2-6.8) for detection of T. solium antibodies. Nineteen people with active epilepsy demonstrated evidence of neurocysticercosis (NCC) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including 7 (36.5%) with solitary cysticercus granuloma. Significance: Our findings do not support an association between epilepsy and exposure to T. canis in the community studied. A significant association between T. solium exposure and epilepsy was observed. Of those with active epilepsy and evidence of NCC on MRI, a large proportion demonstrated solitary cysticercus granuloma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To estimate the seroprevalence, morbidity of Taenia solium (T. solium) cysticercosis and its relationship to socio-economic, sanitary parameters. Methods: Using multistage stratified random sampling, 2 500 subjects from urban (n=1 250) and rural population (n = 1 250) of Lucknow, India were registered. Blood, stool samples, socioeconomic and demographic data were collected. Serum enzyme-linked-immunosorbent-assay (ELISA) was used to detect anticysticercus IgG and IgM antibodies. Microscopic examination of stool samples after processing by concentration method was done to observe taeniasis and other intestinal parasites. CT scan of seropositive cases presenting with seizures was done for confirmation of neurocysticercosis. Results: The overall, urban and rural seroprevalence of T. solium cysticercosis was 3.48%, 4.64% and 2.32%, respectively. The risk factors significantly associated with the disease were pig rearing in both study populations, unsanitary waste disposal in urban, vegetarian diet and open defecation in rural population. One case of intestinal taeniasis was observed. Twenty-six of 30 cases undergoing CT scan were diagnosed as neurocysticercosis. Conclusions: Seroprevalence of cysticercosis is high in the study community. Prevalence of cysticercosis is related to roaming pigs and behavioral and environmental practices in local community. Health education and identification of tapeworm carriers seems promising control strategy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Epilepsy is a major health problem worldwide, and neurocysticercosis (NCC) is one of the important causes of epilepsy in the tropics. The present study was carried out in a rural pig farming community of north India to estimate the prevalence of NCC in patients with active epilepsy (AE) and to determine the associated risk factors. Based on 30-cluster sampling recommended by WHO, a total of 1640 individuals belonging to 294 families from 30 villages were enrolled in the study. Demographic and socio-economic details of all individuals and families were recorded. Individuals with AE were identified by door-to-door survey. NCC was diagnosed by clinical, immunological, neuroimaging (brain magnetic resonance imaging) and epidemiological criteria. During the survey, 95 (5.8%) patients with AE were identified and clinically confirmed; 91 agreed to further evaluation for NCC and 44 (48.3%) of them fulfilled either definitive or probable diagnostic criteria for NCC. These 44 patients belonged to 37 households. Epilepsy in the family and no separate place for keeping pigs were identified as risk factors for NCC clustering in a family. The study shows a very high prevalence of AE in the pig farming community and NCC as its major cause. Since NCC is a preventable and potentially eradicable disease, appropriate intervention strategies may help to reduce the disease burden. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cysticercosis, caused by Taenia solium larva is a major public health problem, especially in the developing world and neurocysticercosis (NCC) is considered to be the most common parasitic infestation of the central nervous system. NCC is identified as the single most common cause of community acquired active epilepsy; 26.3% to 53.8% active epilepsy cases in the developing world including India and Latin America are due to NCC. It is also becoming more common in the developed world because of increased migration of people with the disease or Taenia solium carriers and frequent travel to the endemic countries. It is estimated that three quarters of the estimated 50 million people with active epilepsy live in the poor countries of the world. Recent Indian studies using neuroimaging techniques suggest that the disease burden in India surpasses many other developing countries. Hence it is important to know the epidemiology, pathogenesis and diagnostic criteria so as to assess the disease burden and adopt interventional strategies for its control. Literature search was done for this review with special emphasis on Indian studies to create awareness about the disease in India, since cysticercosis is preventable and potentially eradicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Colloidal and calcified cysts are considered responsible for seizure in neurocysticercosis (NCC); however, calcified cysts have also been reported in asymptomatic individuals. We carried out a MRI-based study in a rural pig farming community of North India to detect the various stages, locations and numbers of the cyst in asymptomatic individuals and compared them with symptomatic NCC cases to see its association with occurrence of seizures. A total of 107 asymptomatic family members of 29 symptomatic NCC confirmed cases were evaluated clinically, immunologically and by neuroimaging for NCC. MRI-based staging of the parasite was done in both groups, and compared to look for the differences, if any. Thirty-one (29.0%) asymptomatic family members of symptomatic cases were diagnosed to have NCC. There was no difference in proportion of colloidal/degenerating and calcified stages of the parasite between symptomatic and asymptomatic groups; however, significantly higher proportion of the asymptomatic populations had vesicular stage of the parasite (P =0.029). Our findings show that a large number of individuals harboring different stages of cysticerci in their brain remain symptoms free and question the belief that the degenerating/calcified stages of the parasite are primarily responsible for seizure occurrence in NCC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: There is a lack of information on the disease burden due to Taenia solium taeniasis and its associated risk factors in pig farming communities throughout the world. The present study was conducted in a rural pig farming community of north India to estimate the prevalence of T. solium taeniasis and associated factors. Demographic, clinical and epidemiological data were collected from 1181 subjects in 210 households in 30 villages. Stool specimens from 924 subjects were examined for eggs of Taenia and other parasites. Identification of T. solium was confirmed by morphological features of segments and species-specific DNA detection from segments and stool. The prevalence of T. solium taeniasis was 18.6% (172/924); factors associated with taeniasis on multivariate analysis were age above 15 years, history of passage of Taenia segments in stool, undercooked pork consumption and poor hand hygiene (hand-washing with clay/water after defecation). Seventy-eight subjects (6.6%) with epilepsy were identified. The study showed alarmingly high rates of epilepsy and T. solium taeniasis in the study community; it highlights the need for large-scale imaging-based surveys to identify the factors associated with epilepsy including neurocysticercosis. Health education, mass anthelminthic therapy and other preventive measures are required to control the menace of the disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In India and other less developed countries the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis is frequently difficult because several other prevalent neurological disorders can present with a similar clinical and neuroimaging picture. Currently available international criteria seem to be helpful for the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis, however, these criteria have been criticized for not being effective in differentiating several other infective and neoplastic diseases of central nervous system (CNS), like CNS tuberculosis, from neurocysticercosis. In this article, modifications in the recent diagnostic criteria given by Del Brutto et al (2001) are being suggested, so, it can become more suitable for Indian patients. In India the overwhelming majority of patients with neurocysticercosis have either single enhancing or less frequently multiple enhancing CT lesions. Imaging and clinical features of various infective conditions, like tuberculoma, fungal granuloma, and parasitic granuloma, and of neoplastic conditions like cerebral metastasis, are remarkably similar. Keeping this in mind, the modification suggested in this article is to replace epidemiological criteria with the section diagnosis of neurocysticercosis with caution in certain situations. These situations are middle or old age, evidence of pre-existing tuberculosis or malignancy, pre-existing HIV infection and in patients with grossly abnormal neurological examination. In these situations, in the absence of one of the absolute criteria, it should be essential to consider and exclude all other likely possibilities before making a diagnosis of neurocysticercosis. However, because of the high prevalence of several disorders with similar features it is difficult to make reliable diagnostic criteria for neurocysticercosis, which are easy to use, and have a high specificity and sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Porcine cysticercosis is acquired by pigs through consumption of human faeces containing Taenia solium ova and indicates the presence of active transmission of the parasite between pigs and humans. Methods The prevalence of porcine cysticercosis was assessed by an antigen ELISA and enzyme linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) for antibodies in rural and urban areas of southern India. Results Of the 112 porcine blood samples, 13 (11.6%) were positive for cysticercal antigens and the free-range pigs were 3.6 times more likely to be infected than the slaughtered pigs and 67 (59.8 %) tested positive for serum antibodies indicating high exposure to T. solium eggs. Conclusion The high prevalence of porcine cysticercosis recorded in the study areas mandates public health measures, which includes meat inspection. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

NCC is a neglected zoonotic disease with high endemicity and disease burden. Neurocysticercosis is a frequent cause of seizures in endemic countries. Early diagnosis and therapy helps in reducing morbidity and DALYs (daily adjusted life years) lost. Definite diagnosis still relies on neuroimaging identification of scolex or by histopathological examination. Molecular method such as PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is an emerging modality to supplement or complement these Gold standard methods. To determine the utility of PCR in detecting Taenia Solium DNA in NCC patients. A total of 100 blood samples of cases of NCC and 50 control blood samples, 58 urine samples of NCC cases and 24 control samples were collected. Repetitive element PTsol9 of the Taenia Solium was targeted. The sensitivity and specificity of PCR in blood samples was 57% and 94%, while sensitivity and specificity in urine samples was 64% and 87%. PCR assay can be used as an adjunct for the diagnosis of NCC especially in ambiguous cases, this is relatively rapid and non-invasive diagnostic modality. • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can detect Taenia solium DNA in Blood and Urine. • Sensitivity and specificity of PCR assay in Blood samples of NCC is 57% and 94% respectively. • Sensitivity and specificity of PCR assay in Urine samples of NCC is 63.8% and 87.5% respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among various immunological tests available for diagnosis of neurocysticercosis (NCC), only EITB (Electroimmunotransfer blot for detection of anticysticercal antibodies) had gained widespread acceptance. However EITB is not available widely and is costly (Indian rupees 15,000/− approximately). We evaluated utility of Loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for detection of Taenia solium cox1 gene in blood of patients with NCC. Current study included 100 consecutive patients of NCC at a tertiary teaching hospital in Northern India. All the patients underwent detailed history and examinations as well as gadolinium enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of brain. LAMP assay was performed in all the patients. The results were compared with 50 controls. LAMP detected Taenia Solium cox1 gene in 74% of all blood samples in patients of NCC.T he overall sensitivity of LAMP assay for detection of cox1 gene was 74% in all patients with NCC, 71.8% in patients with intraparenchymal brain cysts only and 86.7% of patients with extraparenchymal brain cysts with or without intraparenchymal brain cysts. The overall specificity of LAMP assay was 90% in all these three subgroups. The positive predictive value of real time LAMP assay was close to 93% for almost all forms of NCC- both solitary and multiple while negative predictive value ranged from 57 to 64%. Real time LAMP assay of blood for detection of Taenia solium cox1 gene appears to be a promising toll for diagnosis of NCC. • Loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay can detect DNA in blood. • Real time LAMP assay for Tenia solium cox1 gene in blood helps in diagnosis of NCC. • Sensitivity and specificity of LAMP assay in NCC is 74% and 90% respectively. • Positive predictive value of LAMP assay in NCC is 93%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every seafarer undergoes a medical examination prior to joining a ship. Some disorders cannot be detected and they may appear while at sea. Diagnosing and managing them becomes extremely difficult for the Master being the caregiver on board. Large crude carriers often perform long voyages and due to their sheer size, do not enter any port. Helicopter evacuation of a sick or injured crew is the norm. They operate under strict chartering time lines which do not permit deviation from course. A case of hemiparesis on left side of body in a young hitherto healthy seafarer which was later diagnosed as a case of neurocysticercosis is described.

Background: Cysticercosis is a zoonotic disease. It is caused by the larval form of the pork tapeworm Taenia solium. This disease is a public health problem in a country like India, but its incidence is underestimated. With the advent of fine needle aspiration cytology with rapid on-site evaluation, early detection of this disease is possible, especially when the lesion is in anatomically approachable superficial locations.Case Report: We had four cases of cysticercosis diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology with on-site evaluation using toluidine blue stain, followed by Giemsa and Papanicolaou stain. Our cases included three Hindu male patients of age 30 years, 23 years, 17 years and an 26 year old Hindu female.Conclusion: Fine needle aspiration cytology diagnosis of cysticercosis can be easily made provided the reporting cytologist is aware of the morphological criteria. Rapid on-site evaluation can further help in taking additional material and caution during staining process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Although presence of cysticercal antigens in serum is presumed to indicate active cysticercosis not all positive persons are symptomatic. The significance of a positive antigen test in asymptomatic individuals, in predicting development of symptomatic cysticercosis on long-term follow up, is unknown. Forty two of 48 persons from Vellore district, India who were positive for circulating serum cysticercal antigens were followed up for four to five years. None of them developed clinical evidence of neurocysticercosis or subcutaneous cysts. We conclude that asymptomatic individuals with circulating cysticercal antigens have a low risk of developing symptomatic cysticercosis within four to five years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

72 members of a pig farming community and 50 slaughtered pigs in Uttar Pradesh, India, were examined between November 2000 and June 2001 for Taenia solium infection. 27 of the human subjects (38%) had intestinal taeniasis and 7 (9·7%) had reported seizures. All 3 of the latter who were examined had neurocysticercosis. 13 of the pigs (26%) had cysticercosis. Such high prevalences indicate the need for detailed assessment of the disease burden in this community. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most frequent parasitic infection of the central nervous system caused by the larvae of Taenia solium. The prevalence of NCC is obscured due to variations in the methods used for epidemiological studies and often asymptomatic manifestation. The present study was conducted on 595 apparently healthy individuals belonging to the pig farming community of northern India to estimate the prevalence of asymptomatic NCC and to evaluate risk factors based on questionnaires. Diagnosis of NCC was based on neuroimaging, immunological and epidemiological criteria. Asymptomatic NCC was detected in 90 (15.1%) of 595 individuals. The evaluation of risk factors showed that age >15 years (P=0.001), intake of raw vegetables (P=0.025) and undercooked pork (P=0.005), lack of safe drinking water (P=0.003), inadequate drainage system (P=0.049), no separate place for pigs (P≤0.001), NCC related active epilepsy in the family (P≤0.001) were significantly associated with asymptomatic NCC. The present study shows high prevalence of asymptomatic NCC in pig farming community of northern India. Further, asymptomatic NCC is associated with most variables of poor socio-economic parameters., (Copyright © 2011 Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Taenia solium metacestode glycoproteins specific for lentil lectin were evaluated as diagnostic antigens for solitary cysticercus granulomas in Indian patients, using both an ELISA and immunoblotting. In 250 patients suspected to have neurocysticercosis and subjected to a computerized tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging, the proteins were diagnostic by the ELISA in 86 patients (80%) and by immunoblots in 67 (62%) of 107 patients with solitary cysticerus granuloma. Among 100 non-cysticercosis patients, the ELISA and immunoblot were negative in 94% and 97% respectively. No cross-reactions were observed with sera from patients with central nervous system tuberculosis. Proteins of