Cysticercosis of the Human Nervous System

ABOUT THIS BOOK

· Comprehensive and up-to-date review of cysticercosis of the human nervous system
· Thorough discussion of clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management
· Explains the role of modern neuroimaging and serologic techniques

Neurocysticercosis (neural infection by larvae of Taenia solium) occurs when humans become intermediate hosts of the tapeworm Taenia solium after ingesting its eggs, usually directly from a Taenia carrier. Nowadays, the disease is the most common helminthic infection of the nervous system in humans, and a major cause of acquired epilepsy. It has long been endemic in developing countries of Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia. Recently, however, mass migration from endemic to non-endemic areas and growth in overseas travel have resulted in an increase in the prevalence of cysticercosis in countries where it was formerly considered exotic.

The introduction of modern neuroimaging and serologic techniques has improved the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis, and the development of potent cysticidal drugs has changed the prognosis of most affected patients. Nevertheless, much remains to be learned about this parasitic disease. This book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the various aspects of cysticercosis of the nervous system that will be of interest to all who are involved in the care of patients with the disease. Epidemiology, neuropathology, immunopathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management are all thoroughly discussed based on current evidence and practice.

Content Level » Professional/practitioner
Keywords » Cysticercosis - Helminthic Infectons - Neurocysticercosis - Parasitic Diseases - Taenia solium
Related subjects » Immunology - Medical Microbiology - Neurology - Public Health - Radiology

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Foreword.- 2 History of taeniasis and cysticercosis.- 3 Epidemiology of human cysticercosis:.- Cysticercosis in endemic regions.- Cysticercosis in travelers and non-endemic regions.- 4 Life cycle and biological characteristics of Taenia solium.- 5 Neuropathology of cysticercosis and evolutive stages of cysticerci.- 6 Immunopathogenesis of cysticercosis.- 7 Clinical manifestations of Parenchymal neurocysticercosis:.- Epilepsy.- Focal neurological deficits.- Cognitive decline and psychiatric alterations.- Increased intracranial pressure.- 8 Clinical manifestations of Extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis:.- Intraventricular NCC.- Cysticercosis of the Sylvian fissure and basal CSF cisterns.- Subarachnoid NCC of the convexity.- 9 Diagnosis of cysticercosis (and Taeniasis):.- Neuroimaging.- Immunological diagnosis.- Other exams.- Diagnosis of taeniasis.- Diagnostic criteria for neurocysticercosis.- 10 Management of neurocysticercosis:.- Cysticidal drugs (albendazole and praziquantel) Surgery.- 11 Control and perspectives for elimination.