Towards a cysticercosis-free tropical resort island: A historical overview of taeniasis/cysticercosis in Bali

Abstract

Taeniasis and cysticercosis are known to be endemic in several Indonesian islands, although relatively little recent epidemiological data are available. As most Indonesian people are Muslims, taeniasis/cysticercosis caused by the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium, has a restricted presence in non-Muslim societies and is endemic only among some Hindu communities on the island of Bali. Bali has long been known to be endemic for taeniasis/cysticercosis; almost a century ago levels of cysticercosis of 20–30% were described in cattle and 2–3% in pigs. Few studies of taeniasis/cysticercosis were undertaken in Bali prior to a series of research programs commenced since the 1990s. Both Taenia saginata an..