Diagnostic Method to Screen Taenia solium Taeniasis Carriers

Dear Editor,

We read the publication on “Cysticercosis/T. solium Taeniasis, a Potential Public Health Concern in Non-Endemic Country, Kuwait: A New Diagnostic Method to Screen T. solium Taeniasis Carriers among the Expatriate Population” with great interest [1]. Al-Awadhi et al. concluded that “This is the first report from Kuwait and the Middle East on detecting anti-T. solium taeniasis-specific IgG antibodies in the blood among high-risk expatriate population [1]”. Indeed, cysticercosis is an important infection that is sporadically detected in tropical countries. The importation of a disease to new settings is an important consideration in global public health. The attempt by Al-Awadhi et al. is interesting and should be applauded. Nevertheless, there are some significant issues on immunological tests for screening for cysticercosis/T. solium taeniasis that need to be considered. Cross-reactions with other common parasitic infections are possible. Good examples of infection are well-known for immunological cross-reactivity with echinococcosis and gnathostomiasis [2]. Further workup for diagnosis is required when seropositive cases are found [3].

Disclosure Statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.