**6.4 Healthcare promoting hand cleanliness, food hygiene, sanitation, and pig management**

A comprehensive healthcare approach plays a crucial role in preventing *T. solium* cysticercosis infection. Health education programs should emphasize the significance of hand cleanliness, particularly after handling pigs or pork products, to minimize the risk of contamination. Additionally, ensuring food hygiene through proper washing and cooking techniques can further reduce the transmission of *T. solium* cysticercosis. Sanitation practices, including the provision of clean water sources and hygienic waste disposal systems, are vital in preventing environmental contamination and interrupting the transmission cycle. Finally, promoting improved pig management practices within healthcare settings, such as strict biosecurity measures and regular veterinary monitoring, can contribute to preventing *T. solium* cysticercosis [55–57].

Addressing the burden of *T. solium* cysticercosis requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach. Pig vaccination and anthelmintic medication, updated pig management procedures, inspection and adequate cooking of pigs, and healthcare interventions promoting hand cleanliness, food hygiene, sanitation, and improved pig management practices are crucial preventive measures. By implementing these strategies at various levels, including animal husbandry, food safety regulations, and public health initiatives, the transmission and impact of *T. solium* cysticercosis can be significantly reduced, leading to improved health outcomes and a safer food supply chain.

It is important to note that the management of hydrocephalus in NCC should be individualized, considering the patient's clinical condition, the characteristics of the hydrocephalus, and the availability of resources and expertise. Close follow-up and multidisciplinary care involving neurologists, infectious disease specialists, and neurosurgeons are essential for optimal management of this complication.

These pathological features reflect the evolution and host response to NCC. The vesicular stage represents the early presence of viable cysticerci, while the colloidal stage shows an inflammatory response to degenerating parasites. The calcified stage indicates a resolved infection with inert, calcified lesions. Understanding these pathological features is crucial for diagnosing, managing, and treating NCC.

This section gave information about the pathology and pathogenesis of NCC. It is now recognized that irreversible pathologies occur with the appearance of neurological symptoms. At this stage, it is very important to understand the pathogenesis to develop treatment protocols. Each topic discussed in this chapter is important in understanding the disease.

In conclusion, this book chapter has provided an in-depth exploration of the pathology and pathogenesis of NCC, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms underlying this parasitic infection. Throughout the chapter, we have discussed the life cycle of the *T. solium* parasite, its invasion of the central nervous system, and the formation of cysticerci. We have examined the complex interplay between the immune response and neuropathology, emphasizing the role of granuloma formation and the inflammatory cascade. Additionally, the chapter has delved into the diagnostic challenges and imaging findings, including the characteristic calcifications observed in neuroimaging studies. Furthermore, we have addressed NCC's clinical manifestations and potential neurological complications. By comprehensively covering these topics, this chapter is a valuable resource for medical professionals, researchers, and policymakers, facilitating a better understanding of the disease and providing a foundation for future studies to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. While taeniasis is primarily associated with the consumption of undercooked or raw pork, it is essential to recognize that cysticercosis, a severe parasitic disease caused by the larval stage of the pork tapeworm, primarily results from inadequate personal hygiene practices. The transmission dynamics of *T. solium*, the causative agent of both taeniasis and cysticercosis, underscore the critical role of hygiene in the epidemiology of cysticercosis. Taeniasis occurs when individuals ingest the larval cysts present in undercooked or raw pork. However, cysticercosis occurs when individuals ingest the eggs shed in the feces of individuals with taeniasis, leading to the development of cysticerci in various body tissues, including the brain. This stark contrast highlights the fact that while the initial infection may be linked to dietary choices, the subsequent development of cysticercosis hinges primarily on sanitation practices. Thus, public health efforts to combat cysticercosis should not only focus on promoting safe pork consumption but also emphasize the importance of proper sanitation and hygiene practices to break the cycle of transmission and reduce the burden of this debilitating disease. To sum up, Neurocysticercosis, a severe neurological condition caused by the invasion of the central nervous system by *T. solium* larvae, is primarily attributable to inadequate personal hygiene conditions. While the initial infection may be linked to dietary factors, such as the consumption of undercooked or raw pork, the transition to neurocysticercosis is largely dependent on poor personal hygiene practices. In this context, the ingestion of *T. solium* eggs, shed in the feces

*Neurocysticercosis: An Overview of Pathology and Pathogenesis DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.113237*

of individuals with taeniasis, plays a crucial role. Therefore, addressing neurocysticercosis necessitates a focus on improving sanitation and personal hygiene as a fundamental measure to reduce its incidence and impact. We hope this chapter will contribute to the overall knowledge and ultimately lead to improved outcomes for individuals affected by NCC.
