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
