In Vietnam, only few cases of cystic echinococcosis have been reported up to now. We report on the first case of cystic echinococcosis involving the central nervous system reported in Vietnam. Our patient, a 14-year-old child, presented with symptoms of headache and progressive tremor in the right hand that had lasted for 1 month and had worsened in the last days before admission. Following the demonstration of a large space occupying brain cyst by computed tomography, a presumptive diagnosis of a brain tumour was made, that was later overruled. Magnetic resonance imaging, a biopsy and serological analysis allowed for the diagnosis of a giant hydatid brain cyst. The patient underwent surgical removal of the cyst and was treated for 6 months post-surgery with albendazole. On follow-up, the clinical symptoms gradually improved, serology became negative and 1.5 years after the surgical intervention the patient was declared to be cured. This case highlights the importance of considering hydatid disease in differential diagnoses, even in regions where Echinococcus infections are considered rare.

Several factors presumed to facilitate the transmission of Taenia spp. were reported in Vietnam. We conducted a cross-sectional study taking questionnaires from 1,185 participants, and collecting 1,151 sera and 1,036 stool samples in northern Vietnam. Sera were examined for circulating antigens of Taenia solium cysticerci using ELISA, stools for Taenia eggs by Kato-Katz smear, and copro-antigens by ELISA. Ag-ELISA revealed 4.6% antigen positivity, indicating infection with viable cysticerci. Taenia eggs were detected in 1.5% of participants. Copro-antigens were found in 2.8% of participants. Eating raw meat and/or vegetables was significantly associated with the presence of copro-antigen (OR=8.6, 95% CI: 1.16-63.9, P=0.01). Considering the high taeniasis prevalence and the associated threat, public health attention should be given to treat the tapeworm carriers in the projected areas.