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Cysticercosis in Indonesia: epidemiological aspects
S S Margono1, R Subahar, A Hamid
1Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jarkarta.
Summary
Cysticercosis, a parasitic infection by Taenia solium larvae, is linked to increased epileptic seizures and burns in Papua, Indonesia. Further studies are crucial, especially in eastern Indonesia, to understand its prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Neuroepidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cysticercosis, caused by Taenia solium larvae, was first identified in Indonesia in the 1970s.
- A significant rise in epilepsy and burn cases was observed in eastern Papua during the 1990s.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between cysticercosis and neurological disorders and other conditions in Indonesia.
- To determine the prevalence and etiological factors of cysticercosis in specific Indonesian regions.
Main Methods:
- Histopathological examination and mitochondrial DNA analysis of cysts from patients and pigs.
- Serological testing for antibody responses in individuals with epileptic seizures, subcutaneous nodules, and asymptomatic controls.
- Review of epidemiological and histopathological data from Bali and East Java.
Main Results:
- Taenia solium cysticerci were confirmed in patients and pigs in Papua.
- Approximately 67% of epilepsy cases and 65% of subcutaneous nodule cases in Papua showed specific antibody responses to cysticercosis.
- Serological data from Bali indicated T. solium exposure in 13.5% of epilepsy patients and 12.6% of asymptomatic individuals.
- Histopathology in East Java identified nine cysticercosis cases, predominantly among non-Muslim Chinese and Balinese populations.
Conclusions:
- Most epileptic seizures and burns in Papua are strongly associated with cysticercosis.
- Evidence suggests a notable prevalence of cysticercosis in Bali and specific ethnic groups in East Java.
- Urgent, extensive epidemiological studies are recommended for Indonesia, particularly its eastern regions, to address the public health implications of cysticercosis.