Neurocysticercosis (NCC) Summary

Pathogen: Larval stage of Taenia solium

Infection: Ingesting undercooked pork containing cysticerci in muscle tissue.  Incubation prior to onset of symptoms is 3.5 years.

Clinical Course:

 • Viable: Initial phase is usually asymptomatic / persists for years

 • Inflammatory: Cysticerci elaborates substances that interfere with lymphocyte proliferation and macrophage function.

 • Degenerative: Parasite begins to degenerate. The cyst fluid is infiltrated with host cells.

 • Nonviable: Cysticerci become nonviable calcified granulomas. Brain calcifications cause seizures.

Diagnosis: Patients with seizures +elevated intracranial pressure +neuroimaging findings +epidemiologic exposure.

Classification:

 • Intraparenchymal NCC: seizures most common clinical manifestation

 • Extraparenchymal NCC: Spinal, Subarachnoid, Intraventricular, Orbital/Ocular

Treatment:

 • 1-2 cysts albendazol

 • >2 cysts - albendazole + praziquantel



By @TheIDtrivia



#Neurocysticercosis #NCC #parasites #infectiousdiseases #diagnosis #Taenia #solium #management #microbiology