Chapters authored
Zoonotic Parasites and Vector-Borne Parasitoses
Zoonotic parasites and vector-borne zoonotic parasitoses of humans, especially when affecting immunocompromised persons mobilize researchers’ interest and increase parasitological, environmental, and interdisciplinary investigations worldwide. Climate, environmental and anthropomorphic influences had affected the distribution, occurrence, and adaptability of parasites in humans and animals, the level of environmental contamination with parasites and their developing forms, and the surge of vector competency. Knowledge of parasite biology and evolution shows that hybridization phenomena and adaptations may cause genetic diversity, affecting parasite virulence, antiparasitic drug resistance, acclimatization to new host species, and environmental conditions previously not recorded while leading to the emergence of new diseases and changing parasitism epidemiology. Many parasitic infections are emerging or re-emerging and are neglected with deliberating consequences for public and animal health as well as for food safety and security, especially in sub capacitated developing countries. Decrease of exposure of both animals and humans and negative consequences of zoonotic parasitoses requires raising awareness of researchers, policymakers, and the wider public. Modern diagnostic methods, surveillance, monitoring of parasitoses, and early detection systems followed by tailored containment and control actions provide grounds for sane assessments and investigation toward the cost-effective and efficient prevention programs for both human and animal populations.
Part of the book: Zoonosis of Public Health Interest
Epidemiology of Taeniosis/Cysticercosis in Humans and Animals
Taenia saginata, Taenia solium, and Taenia asiatica popularly known as beef, pork, and Asian tapeworm, are important food-borne parasites. Human taeniosis occurs as a zoonotic consequence of consumption of raw or under-cooked meat contaminated by viable larvae of T. saginata (Cysticercus bovis), T. solium (Cysticercus cellulosae) and T. asiatica (Cysticercus viscerotropica) and further development of their adult forms in human intestines. T. solium is highly endemic in pork-consuming poor communities of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, T. asiatica is restricted to Asia and is mainly confirmed in South Korea, China, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Thailand, while T. saginata is distributed worldwide. Tapeworms cause cysticercosis in pigs and cattle (intermediate hosts) and taeniosis in humans (definitive host). Cysticercosis can also affect people who unintentionally swallow T. solium eggs—contaminated soil, water, or food (mainly vegetables) or through self-infection or person-to-person transmission when hygiene practices are insufficient. In humans, human cysticercosis or neurocysticercosis is frequently caused by cysticerci that establish in the central nervous system. Given the effect of T. solium on public health and the potential negative effects of T. saginata and T. asiatica on the economy and trade, defining risk factors, reporting of taeniosis and human cysticercosis is crucial, and surveillance and notification methods in animals should be strengthened.
Part of the book: Taeniasis and Cycticercosis/Neurocysticercosis