Abstract:
Taenia solium (neuro) cysticercosis/taeniosis (TSCT) is a zoonotic disease complex. There is a perceived inefficient
diagnosis of infections by either form, the adult pork tapeworm (taeniosis) and the larval stage of it (cysticercosis), in low-income
settings, including Tanzania. This study aimed at identifying potential gaps around TSCT diagnosis and knowledge of primary
healthcare providers (officers in charge (OICs) of primary healthcare facilities (PHFs)) and veterinarians (meat inspectors (MIs))
on various aspects of TSCT disease complex and addressing effective disease control in Tanzania. Methodology. A cross-sectional
study was conducted between January and April 2020 in Manyara, Dodoma, Ruvuma, Iringa, and Arusha regions in Babati,
Mbulu, Kongwa, Mbinga, and Nyasa districts. We interviewed 152 OICs of PHFs and 108 MIs using a structured questionnaire
and 33 medical and veterinary officers from level I healthcare facilities and district livestock offices, respectively, from selected
study districts to the respective ministerial level using key informant interviews. Results. Quantitative data revealed inadequate
microscopic diagnostic facilities (54.6%) and personnel (100%) for taeniosis diagnosis in PHFs (n 152). Approximately 81.2% of
MIs compared with only 42.1% of OICs of PHFs scored above average regarding T. solium cysticerci knowledge. Nevertheless,
61.2% of OICs of PHFs compared with only 42.6% of MIs scored above average regarding the adult T. solium tapeworm
knowledge. Qualitative data revealed inadequate availability of advanced diagnostic facilities (neuroimaging) and trained
personnel for specific diagnosis of TSCT with a focus on neurocysticercosis (NCC) in secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities.
Inadequately number of qualified MIs, slaughter slabs, and resource facilitation challenged porcine cysticercosis diagnosis.
Conclusion. It is concluded that diagnostic capacity and knowledge of OICs of PHFs and MIs regarding TSCT are insufficient in
both medical and veterinary sectors. A One Health approach should be adopted to improve TSCT diagnostic capacity and
practitioners’ knowledge in both medical and veterinary sectors.
