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Researchers of CReSA, Dr Jordi Casal and Dr Alberto Allepuz, are partners of the “European network on taeniosis/cysticercosis (COST TD1302)”, together with researchers of the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Dr Teresa Garate and Dr Maria J. Perteguer Prieto.
Taenia solium (pork tapeworm) and T. saginata (beef tapeworm) cysticercosis/taeniosis are zoonoses of public health importance, with significant economic impacts on the health and meat (pork and beef) sectors within and outside the EU. Intra-European collaboration is essential to stop the development of these diseases within the EU.
The network intends to develop innovative diagnostic and cost-efficient control tools, assess the disease burden and economic impact, as well as develop harmonized reporting and management procedures. Despite increased research efforts, an important number of gaps remain. For more than one third of the member states, data on occurrence of porcine/bovine/human cysticercosis and taeniosis are missing. Many questions remain on transmission dynamics, infection development/course and clinical manifestations. An improved knowledge on host-parasite interactions will create opportunities for new diagnostic targets, and vaccine candidates.
The network funded by the COST Action started on 26 November, 2013 and will have 4-years duration. It will be coordinated by the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM), Antwerp (Belgium), and counts with the participation of 18 countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and FYR Macedonia.
January 20, 2014 - CReSA
