Published: 7 October 2026 | WHO publication: 6 October 2026
At a Glance
- WHO has published target product profiles (TPPs) for diagnostic tests for Taenia solium taeniasis and cysticercosis.
- The profiles cover diagnostics for humans and pigs.
- TPPs define desired performance and operational characteristics to guide developers and public-health programmes.
- Better diagnostics can support surveillance, case detection and control programmes.
Why this matters
Taenia solium infection is an important neglected tropical disease. Human cysticercosis, particularly neurocysticercosis, can cause seizures and other neurological disease. Reliable diagnostics are essential for both individual care and control programmes.
What a target product profile does
A TPP is not itself a diagnostic test or clinical guideline. It defines the characteristics that future or improved tests should ideally meet, such as intended use, performance, operational setting and practical deployment requirements.
India relevance
Taeniasis and cysticercosis remain clinically relevant in endemic settings, including parts of South Asia. Improved diagnostic tools could strengthen surveillance and reduce diagnostic uncertainty, but clinicians should continue to use current validated diagnostic pathways and applicable local guidance.
Official Source
WHO Research — Target product profiles for Taenia solium diagnostics, 6 October 2026
MedBodh note: This is a research and diagnostics update, not a recommendation to use an unvalidated test.