43 Questions
What is cysticercosis?
The infection of human tissues with larvae of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium.
What is the key tool for the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis?
Magnetic resonance imaging
What is the most effective diagnostic tool for identifying NCC?
CT or MRI imaging
What are the two major forms of cysticerci found in the central nervous system?
Spherical and lobulated
What are the two major clinical forms of neurocysticercosis?
Intraparenchymal and extraparenchymal
Which disease is estimated to be the most common parasitic infection of the brain worldwide?
Cysticercosis
What is the size range of spherical or ovoid cysticerci found in the CNS?
5-10 mm
What is the most common type of seizure associated with intraparenchymal cysticercosis?
Focal seizures with secondary generalization
What is the assay of choice to detect infection-specific antibodies in serum or CSF?
Western blot using LLGP antigens
What is the most accurate way to identify the species of Taenia?
Microscopy of proglotid segment
What is the assay of choice for detecting infection-specific antibodies in serum or CSF?
Western blot/EITB - enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot
What confirms the diagnosis of NCC?
Biopsy
In which continents is cysticercosis endemic?
North and South America
What is the characteristic feature of the lobulated, vesicular structures found in the basal cisternal spaces?
They resemble a bunch of grapes
What is the frequent cause of obstructive hydrocephalus in endemic regions?
Intraventricular or basal cysticercosis
What is the prevalence of concurrent taeniasis in neurocysticercosis patients overall?
10%
What percentage of NCC patients also have Taeniasis?
10%
What is Brun's syndrome?
A type of headache associated with free-floating cysticerci in the fourth ventricle
What is the difference between intestinal T. saginata and T. solium eggs?
What factors affect the prevalence of cysticercosis?
The prevalence and type of animal husbandry, hygiene, and dietary practices.
What is the most common type of cysticerci infecting the eye?
Retinal
What is the treatment for living brain parasites in NCC?
Anti-parasitic treatment
What is the drug of choice for anti-parasitic treatment of cysticercosis?
Albendazole
What percentage of seizure disorders in endemic countries are caused by NCC?
30%
What is the preferred treatment for neurocysticercosis?
Anti-parasitic therapy
What is the most accurate method for definitive identification of Taenia spp. species?
Examination of expelled worm scolexes or proglottids
How is cysticercosis contracted?
When humans ingest material contaminated by human feces containing tapeworm eggs.
What is the most common symptom of patients with subcutaneous cysticerci?
Asymptomatic
What is the sensitivity of antigen detection ELISA assays in intraparenchymal NCC?
Moderate
What is the prevalence of eosinophils in the CSF of neurocysticercosis patients?
25%
Where do living cysticerci actively evade and suppress immune recognition?
Within immunologically privileged sites, such as the brain and the eyes.
How is the diagnosis of NCC supported?
By a combination of serology and neuroimaging findings
Is treatment necessary for asymptomatic subcutaneous or intramuscular cysticerci?
No
Are pediatric cases of NCC different from those in adults?
No
What is the treatment for intracranial hypertension associated with neurocysticercosis?
All of the above
What causes symptoms in cysticercosis?
Inflammation due to the host's immune response to dying cysticerci.
What is the preferred drug for anti-parasitic treatment of neurocysticercosis?
Albendazole
What is the prevalence of eosinophils in CSF of NCC patients?
25%
What is the sensitivity of antigen detection ELISA assays in intraparenchymal NCC?
Moderate sensitivity
Can inflammation around the cysticerci be asymptomatic?
Yes
What is the size of living cysticerci visible on CNS imaging?
5 to 10 mm
What is the most sensitive imaging modality for detecting edema and inflammation associated with NCC?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI
What is the role of anti-convulsants in the treatment of neurocysticercosis?
Symptomatic treatment
Study Notes
- Cysticercosis is the infection of human tissues with larvae of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium.
- Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is estimated to be the most common parasitic infection of the brain and of adult-onset epilepsy worldwide.
- Cysticercosis is endemic on all continents except Australasia and is common in non-Muslim developing countries, including much of South and Central America, Asia, and Africa.
- Prevalence varies depending on the prevalence and type of animal husbandry, hygiene, and dietary practices.
- In endemic countries, approximately 30% of seizure disorders are caused by NCC.
- Cysticercosis is contracted when humans ingest material contaminated by human feces containing tapeworm eggs, not from eating infected pork containing cysticerci.
- Living cysticerci actively evade and suppress immune recognition, especially within immunologically privileged sites, such as the brain and the eyes.
- Symptoms typically result from inflammation due to the host's immune response to dying cysticerci.
- Inflammation around the cysticerci can be asymptomatic or lead to acute symptoms that can be fatal.
- In the central nervous system (CNS), two major forms of cysticerci are found.
Test your knowledge on Cysticercosis, a parasitic infection caused by the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. This quiz covers the prevalence, transmission, symptoms, and forms of cysticerci found in the central nervous system. Learn more about this common infection and its impact on global health. Keywords: Cysticercosis, Taenia solium, neurocysticercosis, parasitic infection, prevalence, transmission, symptoms, central nervous system.
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