Mapping protocol for Taenia solium: identification of endemic and high-risk areas
Overview
The mapping tool for Taenia solium has three companion elements:
- this document, the Mapping Protocol;
- an Excel document, the Risk Classification Tool; and
- a video with stepwise guidance on the Mapping Protocol and the Risk Classification Tool.
Taeniasis and cysticercosis are neglected tropical diseases caused by infection with the parasite Taenia solium and are included in WHO’s new road map, with targets set for their intensified control by 2030. Taeniasis and cysticercosis are zoonotic diseases, and the life cycle of the parasite involves humans and pigs.
In humans, cysticercosis in the central nervous system (neurocysticercosis) is the main cause of acquired epilepsy in many low-income countries. Taeniasis and cysticercosis are recognized as the leading cause of death among all foodborne parasitic diseases; the global burden of disease was estimated to be approximately 2.8 million DALYs (disability-adjusted life-years) in 2015 (2). However, these estimates may be low due to limited data. The impact of taeniasis and cysticercosis also includes social costs, as people with epilepsy suffer discrimination and stigma, as well as economic costs associated with the treatment of infected people and their ability to work. In some circumstances, economic costs are associated with the loss of an infected pig’s value.
