Preface

Taeniasis and cysticercosis are two closely related parasitic diseases caused by the tapeworm *Taenia solium*. Taeniasis is an intestinal infection with the adult tapeworm, while cysticercosis is a tissue infection with the larval stage of the tapeworm. Neurocysticercosis is a particularly serious form of cysticercosis that affects the nervous system. Humans are known hosts for two well-known *Taenia* species: *T. saginata* (the cattle tapeworm) and *T. solium* (the pig tapeworm). *T. asiatica*, a third species that shares traits with the other two because its adult morphology resembles that of *T. saginata* and its life cycle corresponds to that of *T. solium*, was identified in the 1990s.

Cysticercosis is caused by *T. solium* and *T. saginata* larva (cysticercus) and manifests itself in the host's internal organs, pigs and cattle, respectively. Neurocysticercosis results from *T. solium* cysticercus infection of the host's central nervous system, namely humans with accidental larval infection. Taeniasis and cysticercosis are major public health problems in many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries. Taeniasis is estimated to affect more than 200 million people worldwide, and cysticercosis affects more than 50 million people. Neurocysticercosis is a leading cause of epilepsy in developing countries. This book provides a comprehensive overview of taeniasis and cysticercosis, focusing on the latest advances in epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and control. The book includes seven chapters.

Chapter 1: "Introductory Chapter: Taeniasis and Cysticercosis/Neurocysticercosis – Differences, Risk Factors, and Vaccines"

Chapter 2: "Epidemiology of Taeniosis/Cysticercosis in Humans and Animals"

Chapter 3: "The Pandemonium of Cysticercosis in Humans"

Chapter 4: "*Taenia solium* Taeniasis and Cysticercosis Prevalence and Control Practice in China"

Chapter 5: "Neurocysticercosis: A Review on Global Neurological Disease"

Chapter 6: "Advances in the Diagnosis of Cysticercosis"

Chapter 7: "Neurocysticercosis: An Overview of Pathology and Pathogenesis"

This book is intended for many readers, including researchers, clinicians, public health professionals, and students. It is written in a clear and concise style and includes a wealth of up-to-date information on taeniasis and cysticercosis. It is also intended to raise awareness of these two important diseases and to promote the development of new and improved strategies for their prevention and control. This book covers specific topics on the two *Taenia* species that infect humans, *T. solium* and *T. saginata*, and a third species, *T. asiatica*. It also covers the epidemiology of taeniasis and cysticercosis

in humans and animals and the pandemonium of cysticercosis in humans. The book also discusses the prevalence and control of *T. solium* taeniasis and cysticercosis in China and neurocysticercosis as a global major cause of neurological disease. Finally, the book examines advances in the diagnosis of cysticercosis and provides an overview of the pathology and pathogenesis of neurocysticercosis.

I am especially grateful to the authors for sharing their expertise and knowledge on this important topic. Their contributions are invaluable and will help to raise awareness of taeniasis and cysticercosis and promote the development of new and improved prevention and control strategies.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Senior Commissioning Editor Lucija Tomicic-Dromgool and Publishing Process Manager – Product Lead Marica Novakovic at IntechOpen. I am also truly grateful to the entire publishing and production team for their hard work and dedication to this book.

Thank you again to everyone who has contributed to this book. Your hard work and dedication are greatly appreciated.
