T.SOL Project
Mitigating Taenia solium transmission in Northern Lao PDR using an integrated One Health approach
Taenia solium Taeniasis and (neuro) cysticercosis are of significant concern to human health and livestock productivity in Lao PDR and other endemic areas in the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) has included T. solium in the neglected tropical disease (NTD) 2030 roadmap targeted for control. The T.SOL project promotes a One Health strategy between human, animal and environmental health sectors in order to control T. solium transmission in Lao PDR.
ACIAR foodborne Parasitic Disease
Project outcomes
This project developed five tools to detect high-risk villages for T. solium. These risk-mapping tools were validated against biological data obtained from study villages confirming the presence/absence of T. solium. The specificity and sensitivity of available diagnostic techniques were validated and basic molecular assays for Taenia spp. were trialled in one of the national laboratories. Finally, a case series was conducted in T. solium positive villages to assess behaviours associated with the transmission of T. solium which could inform the design of future interventions.
Government programs are now better equipped to:
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Effectively target "high risk areas of disease"
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Use appropriate diagnostic tests
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Employ strategic and targeted control programs
Key findings of the project
Definitive diagnosis of T. solium may now be completed in Laos
Raw meat consumption is widespread and not necessarily linked to ethnicity
Pig parasites are highly prevalent and smallholder knowledge is limited
Contact Us
Project Lead: Dr Amanda Ash