Taenia solium metacestode preparation in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa: a source for  diagnosis and research on cysticercosis.

Schmidt V, Sikasunge CS, Odongo-Aginya E, Simukoko C, Mwanjali G, Alarakol S, Ovuga E, Matuja W, Kihamia C5, Löscher T, Winkler AS , Bretzel G
1
1. Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine (DITM), University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians
University Munich, Munich, Germany
2. Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
3. Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
4. Department of Mental Health, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
5. Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences,
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
6. Department of Neurology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
7. Department of Neurology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany

Abstract
Background:Taenia solium metacestodes/cysts obtained from pig carcasses constitute a primary source for diagnostic  tools used for the detection of human cysticercosis. Data on T. solium cyst preparation in Africa is still scarce but required  to establish independent reference laboratories.

Objectives: The aim of the present study is a) to present the likely yield of T. solium cyst material by the use of two different  preparation methods in the field and b) to investigate its suitability for immunodiagnosis of human cysticercosis.

Methods: In Zambia, Uganda and Tanzania 670 pigs were screened for T. solium infection. Cysts were prepared by `shaking  method´ and ‘washing method’. Generated crude antigens were applied in a standard western blot assay.

Results: 46 out of 670 pigs (6.9%) were found positive for T. solium (Zambia: 12/367, 3.3%; Uganda: 11/217, 5.1%; Tanzania 23/86, 26.7%). Mean values of 77.7 ml whole cysts, 61.8 ml scolices/membranes and 10.9 ml cyst fluid were obtained  per pig. Suitability of collected material for the use as crude antigen and molecular diagnostic techniques was demonstrated.

Conclusion:This study clearly shows that T. solium cyst preparation in African settings by simple field methods constitutes  an effective way to obtain high quality material as source for diagnostic tools and research purposes.

Keywords:Taenia solium, cysticercosis, neurocysticercosis, antigen, immunoblot