Taeniasis and Cysticercosis

Globally, taeniasis and cysticercosis are recognized as major zoonotic diseases caused by the adult and larval stages of Taenia tapeworms, respectively, presenting significant public health challenges and socioeconomic burdens. Humans serve as the definitive host for three major Taenia species: Taenia solium, Taenia saginata, and Taenia asiatica. Taeniasis, generally a mild intestinal infection, is acquired through the ingestion of raw or undercooked meat containing infective metacestode larvae. In contrast, cysticercosis, a more serious disease in humans, results from the ingestion of infective Taenia eggs, often through faeco-oral transmission or consumption of contaminated raw vegetables. Although T. solium larvae are the principal cause of human cysticercosis, the larval stages of other zoonotic Taenia species, such as Taenia crassiceps, Taenia martis, Hydatigera taeniaeformis, and Versteria spp., can also infect humans, although less frequently. Sporadic reports of human coenurosis also highlight the zoonotic potential of Taenia multiceps, Taenia serialis, Taenia brauni, and Taenia glomeratus larvae. In humans, cysticerci of T. solium can affect various tissues, including muscles, eyes, and skin, but lodgement in the brain leads to the most serious form of the disease, neurocysticercosis. High prevalence regions include Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, Eastern Europe, India, and other Asian countries. Treatment options for taeniasis include praziquantel and niclosamide, while neurocysticercosis may be treated with antiseizure medications, corticosteroids, and anthelmintics. Prevention strategies emphasise improved hand hygiene, proper food handling, and regular deworming of humans and animals. Cysvax™, the only commercially available Taenia vaccine, utilises the recombinant oncosphere protein TSOL18 that provides 99.5% protection against porcine cysticercosis, indicating its significant potential to reduce cases of taeniasis in humans. Against this background, this chapter provides a concise overview of taeniasis and cysticercosis from a One Health perspective, focusing on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, immunopathology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of zoonotic Taenia tapeworms.