Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026

A Simple Fecal Flotation Method for Diagnosing Zoonotic Nematodes Under Field and Laboratory Conditions
Published on: December 15, 2023
Taenia solium Tapeworm Infection, Oregon, 2006-2009
Seth O'Neal1, John Noh, Patricia Wilkins
1Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA. oneals@ohsu.edu
Abstract:
Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a parasitic infection of the central nervous system caused by Taenia solium larval cysts. Its epidemiology in cysticercosis-nonendemic regions is poorly understood, and the role of public health institutions is unclear. To determine the incidence of NCC and to pilot screening of household contacts for tapeworms, we conducted population-based active surveillance in Oregon. We screened for T. solium infection by examining hospital billing codes and medical charts for NCC diagnosed during January 1, 2006-December 31, 2009 and collecting fecal and blood samples from household contacts of recent case-patients. We identified 87 case-patients, for an annual incidence of 0.5 cases per 100,000 general population and 5.8 cases per 100,000 Hispanics. In 22 households, we confirmed 2 additional NCC case-patients but no current adult intestinal tapeworm infections. NCC is of clinical and public health concern in Oregon, particularly among Hispanics. Public health intervention should focus on family members because household investigations can identify additional case-patients.
Related Concept Videos
Toxoplasmosis
Amebiasis
American Trypanosomiasis
Cholera
Giardiasis
Investigation of Disease Outbreaks

