Advances in the Diagnosis of Cysticercosis

Human cysticercosis is one of the most pathogenic and lethal diseases. It is caused by the accidental ingestion of Taenia solium eggs. All Taenia species lead to cysticercosis in animals; T. solium and Torenia asiatica are responsible for cysticercosis in pigs, while T. saginata causes bovine cysticercosis. Cysticercosis in humans is considered a neglected tropical disease. Diagnosing taeniasis—an infection with the adult parasite—poses challenges. The clinical manifestations of the disease are nonspecific, and no easy method is available to confirm the diagnosis. The diagnosis of cysticercosis is mainly based on imaging techniques, including computed tomography and magnetic resonance. These techniques are valuable and accurate but sometimes limited due to atypical images that are difficult to distinguish from neoplasms. Therefore, sensitive and specific methods, such as immunological tests and molecular methods, are essential to confirm clinical findings and differentiate cysticercosis from other diseases