Neurocysticercosis due to
Taenia solium infection is an important cause of human morbidity and mortality. Despite the availability of effective
anthelmintics, the disease remains prevalent in many parts of the world and there is a need for new and improved measures for control of the
infection. An effective
vaccine to prevent
infection in pigs, the parasite's natural intermediate host, would be a valuable new option to assist with T. solium control. Several approaches are being used currently towards the development of a T. solium
vaccine and these approaches are reviewed briefly, with emphasis on the use of recombinant oncosphere
antigens. Highly effective
vaccines have been developed against
cysticercosis in sheep and cattle caused by Taenia ovis and Taenia saginata, respectively. This success has encouraged the adoption of a similar strategy for T. solium. The recent finding that one oncosphere
antigen, TSOL18, can induce complete protection against T. solium
infection in pigs, highlights the potential for development of a practical
vaccine. A vision is proposed for the development of a safe, effective, inexpensive
vaccine for pigs, which can be administered in an edible form. Through an international collaborative effort, research is progressing towards the realisation of such a
vaccine and its use to reduce the global burden of
neurocysticercosis.