Multiplex PCR-supported identification of Taenia saginata following proglottid passage in a long-term expatriate resident of Bali, Indonesia: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Taenia saginata is a zoonotic cestode transmitted to humans through ingestion of raw or undercooked beef containing viable cysticerci. Because intestinal infection is frequently clinically silent, cases may remain undetected and sustain transmission. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 39-year-old Russian man who had lived in Bali for approximately 5.5 years presented after observing whitish, motile, ribbon-like material in his stool. He reported no gastrointestinal symptoms.Stool microscopy demonstrated Taenia-type eggs with radially striated embryophores. Multiplex PCR of DNA extracted from the expelled proglottids and pretreatment stool produced a T. saginata-specific amplicon, supporting species identification. The patient was treated with a single 2-g oral dose of niclosamide followed by magnesium sulfate. No further proglottid passage was reported during 10 months of follow-up. DISCUSSION: This case illustrates clinically silent intestinal T. saginata infection presenting through proglottid passage. It highlights the limitations of egg morphology for species identification in a setting where several human-infecting Taenia species occur and the complementary value of molecular testing. A stronger PCR signal from proglottid DNA than from stool DNA may reflect differences in parasite DNA concentration, extraction efficiency, or fecal inhibition, but this single case does not establish comparative diagnostic sensitivity. CONCLUSION: T. saginata should be considered in long-term residents of endemic areas who report proglottid passage, even without gastrointestinal symptoms. Molecular testing can support species-level identification when microscopy demonstrates morphologically indistinguishable Taenia eggs.