A Neglected Dangerous Parasitic Disease Overview: Neurocysticercosis

Elmehankar, Manar S.

doi:10.21608/eajbse.2023.319450

A Neglected Dangerous Parasitic Disease Overview: Neurocysticercosis

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Manar S. Elmehankar

Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.

10.21608/eajbse.2023.319450

Abstract

The furthermost widespread helminthic disease of the central nervous system globally, neurocysticercosis (NCC) is an infection of the central nervous system as well as meninges through Taenia solium larvae. This disease's pleomorphism is caused by pathological alterations caused by the lodgment of parasites in the brain's parenchyma, subarachnoid space, ventricular system, otherwise spinal cord. Overall, epilepsy, increased intracranial pressure, headache, and focal impairments are the most common clinical manifestations. After analyzing clinical data, neuroimaging study results, and immunological test results, an accurate diagnosis of NCC can be made. Neuroimaging methods, however, remain crucial for diagnosis as clinical findings and immunological results only offer suggestive evidence of NCC. Once cysticidal medications were available, most NCC patients had a different prognosis. According to numerous patient reports, these medications can lessen the infection in addition to enhancing clinical improvement. Control efforts against the T. solium life stages, including pigs harboring the adult stage, sick pigs, and eggs in the environment, should be implemented in an effort to completely eradicate the illness.

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