Risk factors for Taenia solium taeniasis: A case-control study in Lao PDR

Introduction: Taenia solium is the leading cause of epilepsy in low and middle-income countries yet remains under investigated in Lao PDR (Laos). Methods: A matched case-control study was conducted in northern Laos. Cases were identified by rrnS PCR and sequencing. Risk factor data were collected by standardised questionnaire. Conditional logistic regression assessed the significance of risk factors. Results: 18 cases and 36 controls participated in the study. Only raw pork and undercooked grilled pork were significant risk factors (p<0.05), however, fermented pork was very close (p=0.05). Income, food insecurity, education, being a household head and the number of household members were clearly not significant (p>0.20). Conclusions: Raw and undercooked pork have different sources in northern Laos. Raw pork is almost only consumed from wild pigs that are opportunistically caught, whereas undercooked pork is consumed throughout the year from wild, local and commercial pigs. Food safety activities must consider these differences in supply chains.