Toolbox for the control and management of Taenia solium

The parasite Taenia solium, which causes taeniasis and cysticercosis, is a zoonosis included in the WHO list of Neglected Tropical Diseases, and its transmission cycle involves humans and pigs. In humans, cysticercosis in the central nervous system is called neurocysticercosis and is the main cause of acquired epilepsy in many low-income countries. Despite the burden Taenia solium imposes on affected communities, epidemiological data are limited and there are very few active control programs. One Health programs involving interventions in humans and pigs are particularly effective. This course targets Taenia focal points in endemic countries and program managers and aims at providing them with the information and tools they need to start or strengthen their actions to tackle Taenia solium.

 By the end of this course, you should be able to:

• Describe the life cycle of T. solium, its transmission cycle, the diseases it causes and their impact;
• Identify T. solium endemic areas by using the Mapping tool;
• List the tools available for the control of T. solium in humans, pigs and the environment;
• Explain why a One Health approach is a more effective T. solium control strategy;
• List the diagnostics available to monitor T. solium in a public health program, and the basics of the monitoring and evaluation of public health programs;
• Recall the resources available to facilitate the case management of T. solium