Investigation of Environmental Factors Associated With Transmission of T. Solium in Endemic Villages of Zambia

Establishment and Application of a Taenia Solium Experimental Pig Infection Model and Investigation of Environmental Factors Associated With Transmission of T. Solium in Endemic Villages of Eastern and Southern Provinces of Zambia

This study aims to determine the prevalence of taeniosis and (neuro)cysticercosis in two districts in the southern (Gwembe) and eastern province (Chipata) of Zambia.

The true prevalence of Neurocyticercosis in Zambia is not well known. Only one study which was a pilot study done in Katete district of eastern province demonstrated the prevalence of NCC among people with epilepsy. There is need to provide an accurate estimate of the prevalence of NCC among people with cysticercosis in Zambia as well as understand the clinical manifestations of the disease in humans. Data on the full range of clinical characteristics of NCC is essential to accurately estimate the burden of the disease in the community.

The epidemiology work package within the human health sector will create awareness of the size of the problem by delivering scientifically generated prevalence data on TSCT and NCC in various population groups (adults, children, and those living with epilepsy) in two provinces of Zambia. This will form an essential prerequisite for the development of public health policy guidelines for the control/elimination of TSCT/NCC in the country.

Further, environmental factors that could play a role in the transmission and maintenance of T. solium eggs will be studied. This will provide essential data in understanding the epidemiology of the parasite in endemic regions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Willing and able to participate in all aspects of the study, including providing blood and stool samples, participating in a questionnaire survey and group discussions, and taking oral anthelmintic tablets
• Willing and able to provide informed consent (signature or thumbprint with impartial witness; assent for minors with parental consent).
• Living in, attending school in, or regularly visiting the bore holes present in, the study communities.
• Aged 10 years or older

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unwilling or unable to participate in some or all aspects of the study, including providing blood and stool samples, participating in a questionnaire survey and group discussions, or taking oral anthelmintic tablets.
• Unwilling or unable to provide written (signature or thumbprint with impartial witness) informed consent (or assent for minors).
• Living outside of, and not regularly visiting, or attending school in, the study communities.
• Children aged less than 10 years.
• Seriously ill individuals (people unable to engage in the normal activities of daily living without assistance because of their illnesses).