an updated overview of coenurosis and its importance in small ruminants

Coenurosis, a life-threatening helminthic infection, is caused by the larval stage of taenia multiceps, known as coenurus cerebralis. it usually affects the central nervous system and, to a lesser extent, other tissues of the intermediate hosts especially sheep and goats. the disease occurs worldwide and causes significant economic losses in livestock farming. this review deals with various aspects of coenurosis including life cycle, epidemiology, clinical pathology, diagnosis, economic and zoonotic importance, control, and treatment. the clinical symptoms of the disease consist of circling, frequent bleating, dullness, muscle tremors, separation from the flock, ataxia, and blindness. humans become infected by accidental ingestion of t. multiceps eggs passed in the feces of final hosts (canids) and cause symptoms such as headache, loss of consciousness, epilepsy, nausea, and brain ataxia. diagnosis is mainly based on necropsy while radiology, serology, and pcr tests can also be applied. the cyst removal by surgery is the main way of treatment؛ however, anti-helminthic compounds including praziquantel, albendazole, and fenbendazole have shown promising results against coenurosis. control measures for the infection include routine administration of canine anthelmintic compounds, correct disposal of the livestock brains, preventing the unsanitary slaughter of livestock, controlling the population of stray dogs, and increasing public awareness regarding the epidemiology of the disease.