Neurocysticercosis in sub-Saharan Africa - A neglected infectious disease and an emerging public health problem

• Antragstellerinnen: Professorin Dr. Gisela Bretzel; Professorin Andrea Sylvia Winkler, Ph.D.
• Mitantragstellerinnen / Mitantragsteller: Professor Dr. William Matuja; Professorin Dr. Helena Ngowi; Professor Dr. Emilio Ovuga; Chummy Sikasunge, Ph.D.
• Fachliche Zuordnung: Parasitologie und Biologie der Erreger tropischer Infektionskrankheiten
• Förderung: Förderung von 2009 bis 2015
• Projektkennung: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Projektnummer 68749020

Taeniosis/cysticercosis, a zoonotic disease caused by the pork tapeworm Taenia solium, represents an emerging public health problem throughout the developing world. Neurocysticercosis (NCC), T. solium larval infection of the central nervous system, is estimated to be responsible for NCC related epilepsy, a treatable and potentially preventable disorder, of an approximate 2-3 million people in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, socioeconomic losses due to NCC are considerable. Data on T. solium cysticercosis in sub-Saharan Africa is still scarce. In our study, we therefore suggest to assess the burden of NCC in three African nations known to be highly endemic for porcine cysticercosis and at the same time build capacity through a) assessment of prevalence of NCC among people with epileptic seizures, b) strengthening of laboratory facilities in the diagnosis of T. solium cysticercosis, c) investigation of related public health aspects. In detail, a door-to-door study on the prevalence of people with epilepsy/epileptic seizures will be conducted at large scale in a rural and an urban area. Cranial computed tomography and T. solium cysticercosis serological tests will be performed. People diagnosed with NCC will be offered treatment, if appropriate. A case/control survey will be conducted comparing people with NCC and those without NCC regarding risk factors. Each country will establish diagnostic centres providing cysticercus antibody ELISA and immunoblot for serological routine diagnosis. In addition, a regional reference centre for cysticercus antigen ELISA will test samples from all countries and genotypes of T. solium isolates from various endemic areas will be determined. Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding T. solium cysticercosis will be assessed in school children, education will be provided and the effect measured by reassessment of this population. The socioeconomic burden will be calculated.

• DFG-Verfahren: Sachbeihilfen
• Internationaler Bezug: Sambia, Tansania, Uganda