Project Details
Projekt
Neurocysticercosis in sub-Saharan Africa - A neglected infectious disease and an emerging public health problem
Co-Applicants
Professor Dr. William Matuja; Professorin Dr. Helena Ngowi; Professor Dr. Emilio Ovuga; Dr. Chummy Sikasunge, Ph.D.
Subject Area
Parasitology and Biology of Tropical Infectious Disease Pathogens
Term
from 2009 to 2015
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 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 Programme
Research Grants
International Connection
Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia
