Highlights
- •Taenia solium is a pork tapeworm, whose larval stage can cause neurocysticercosis.
- •Neurocysticercosis is a frequent cause of acquired epilepsy in endemic regions.
- •Risk factors include substandard pig farming practices, open defecation, and contaminated water.
- •Additional barriers include improper medical diagnosis and treatment and health illiteracy.
- •The incidence of neurocysticercosis can be reduced by addressing these underlying factors.
Abstract
Background
Neurocysticercosis is one of the most common causes of acquired epilepsy worldwide.
Caused by Taenia solium, the infection uses pigs as an intermediate host and thus is often associated with
proximity to and consumption of pigs.
Objective
This review explores the epidemiology of neurocysticercosis in endemic regions across
Africa, Asia, and Latin America and examines common risk factors in these areas.
Methods
A literature review was conducted using pubmed to search for articles with key words
including neurocysticercosis, Taenia, solium, epidemiology, and the names of countries
and continents in the regions of interest.
Findings
Multiple risk factors for neurocysticercosis were identified, including inadequate
regulation of pig farms and food safety, poor sanitation, and water contamination.
In addition, additional barriers to appropriate diagnosis and management were found,
including resource limitations and poor health literacy.
Conclusion
Despite its global prevalence, effective limitation of neurocysticercosis is still
achievable through projects which address common risk factors.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 29, 2022
Accepted:
August 24,
2022
Received in revised form:
August 14,
2022
Received:
July 17,
2022
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
