The Burden of (Neuro)Cysticercosis Among People Living With HIV in Rural Tanzania

The Burden of (Neuro)Cysticercosis Among People Living With HIV Compared With HIV-negative Individuals in the Rural Southern Highlands in Tanzania

This study aims to compare the burden of neurocysticercosis among people living with HIV to people not infected with HIV.

People living with HIV and matched HIV negative controls will be tested serologically for cysticercosis, examined neurologically and will undergo CT scanning to determine the prevalence and presentation of NCC.

Furthermore, the immune system response in HIV patients with Taenia solium neurocysticercosis will be assessed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients who consent to participate in the study and testing.
• Patients of age 14 years and above
• Patient living inside the study catchment area
• HIV-positive patients
• Patient suspected of taeniasis or cysticercosis/neurocysticercosis

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with opportunistic infections.
• Study participants taking anthelminthic drugs PZQ and ALB or have received them within the previous 12 months.
• Pregnant women
• Patients that are seriously ill.
• Patients with epilepsy and other mental disorders that impair thoughts and emotions such as psychosis.