Identification of Taenia solium DNA by PCR in blood and urine samples from a tertiary care center in North India

Background: NCC is a neglected zoonotic disease with high endemicity and disease burden. Neurocysticercosis is a frequent cause of seizures in endemic countries. Early diagnosis and therapy helps in reducing morbidity and DALYs (daily adjusted life years) lost. Definite diagnosis still relies on neuroimaging identification of scolex or by histopathological examination. Molecular method such as PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is an emerging modality to supplement or complement these Gold standard methods. Aim: To determine the utility of PCR in detecting Taenia Solium DNA in NCC patients. Methods: A total of 100 blood samples of cases of NCC and 50 control blood samples, 58 urine samples of NCC cases and 24 control samples were collected. Repetitive element PTsol9 of the Taenia Solium was targeted. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of PCR in blood samples was 57% and 94%, while sensitivity and specificity in urine samples was 64% and 87%. Conclusion: PCR assay can be used as an adjunct for the diagnosis of NCC especially in ambiguous cases, this is relatively rapid and non-invasive diagnostic modality.