Neurocysticercosis is a disease caused by a parasitic infection in the brain. In countries where the parasite is widespread, it is the most common cause of neurological disorder. It is especially common in areas where pigs are raised, especially in pig-friendly countries. In Muslim countries, the lack of pig breeding prevents the transmission of cysticercosis.
Clinical manifestations of neurocysticercosis are variable and depend on the location and number of parasites in the CNS. Intestinal cysticercosis is the most common complication. Men are more prone than women to this disease, but both sexes are affected equally. Symptoms of the infection in the meninges tend to resolve within a few days. However, infections of the ventricles and basal subarachnoid space can cause seizures and other neurological complications.
Acute neurocysticercosis is usually accompanied by symptoms that resemble those of a brain tumor. The severity of the condition depends on its stage of development and the inflammatory response of the host. When the parasites are located in the meninges, they can cause widespread inflammation. Chronic arachnoiditis can cause multiple small infarctions in the brain.
Neurocysticercosis is transmitted to humans through the fecal/oral route, where they can enter the body through food contaminated with feces. Eventually, the larvae can invade the tissues and spread throughout the body. Once in the body, it can cause symptoms ranging from abdominal discomfort to meningitis. Sometimes, the disease can lead to hydrocephalus and even hypoxic seizures.
Neurocysticercosis is an endemic disease in many parts of the world. It is most commonly found in the Western and Southern US, but it is also common in Asia. It is asymptomatic in most cases, and can be fatal. Infections of the brain may cause seizures, or they may lead to serious complications. In severe cases, neurocysticercosis can cause meningitis or hydrocephalus.
In patients with neurocysticercosis, the symptoms can be similar to those of a brain tumor. The severity of symptoms depends on the stage of the disease. Depending on its stage, a patient may have calcified granulomas, live cysticerci, or an inflammation of the meninges. If the infection persists over a long period of time, it may lead to hydrocephalus, multiple small brain infarctions, and other complications.
Cysticercosis is a neurological disease caused by an infection of the worm Taenia solium, a porcine tapeworm with a life cycle of 2 hosts. Unlike normal cysticerci, humans are the definitive host. The worms live in pigs and are intermediate hosts for the parasite. The tapeworm’s life cycle is characterized by five stages.
