Control of neurocysticercosis by routine medical and veterinary services

Taenia solium neurocysticercosis and ocular cysticercosis are two of the most devastating parasitic infections, which need to be controlled for medical and economic reasons. This paper discusses why control measures are not implemented adequately in endemic areas and proposes simple operational interventions, based on focus-oriented chemotherapy of T. solium taeniasis using existing health care infrastructure and improved collaboration between medical and veterinary services. These interventions can be quickly and easily implemented (irrespective of other applicable control measures), with medical and veterinary staff being adequately trained, and safe, effective and cheap taenicides made available.