Cysticercosis Infection

Cysticercosis Infection

Cysticercosis Infection

Infection with the intermediate state of the T. soliumparasite (see above) can occur in two ways: By ingestion of the eggs of the worm, which hatch in thegut to release the cysticercus; By regurgitation of gravid segments into the stomach toinitiate the process of egg digestion and release ofcysticerci.The cysticerci released by either route of infection theninvade host tissues. The first route is more likely. Occasionallypatients are seen with a vast number of cysticerciin a wide range of sites, in those instances it is most likelythat the patient has swallowed a proglottid.The development of subcutaneous lumps is a commonpresentation. Uniocular disturbances of vision occur withcysticerci in the eye. The most serious consequences occurin cerebral cysticercosis, causing epilepsy, raised intracranialpressure and localizing signs related to space occupation.Frequently numerous cysts are found in the brain. Thediagnosis is based on the geographic history, a positiveserological test for cysticercosis on serum, and the findingof cystic lesions by CT or MRI.In endemic areaswhere CT is not available the diagnosis would be made onthe clinical picture. Antibodies to cysticerci can be detectedin CSF, which contains increased amounts of protein, anormal glucose and a normal or increased cell count.Skeletal muscles are often involved in cysticercosis.Usually this causes no symptoms, and calcified cysticerciare seen on X-rays. There may be muscle pain at thetime of invasion. If cysticerci are found at any site in thebody a CT brain scan should be done to detect cerebralinvolvement.Praziquantel, 50mg/kg/day in divided doses for 10-14days, and albendazole, 20mg/kg/day in divided doses for 14days, are both effective in killing cysticerci, and when thishappens surrounding inflammation may increase enhancingneurological signs. For this reason steroids are startedprior to treatment with either drug to reduce these effects.This should be carried out in a centre where neurologicalexpertise is available. Two-thirds of cerebral cysts disappearafter treatment, and clinical improvement follows.The efficacy of drug treatment in this condition has notbeen proven in prospective studies.

POST COMMENT

Follicular infections and differential diagnosis Easy methods to get rid of Strep Throat Infection Thrush Infection - Getting Rid Of Thrush For Good Getting Rid of a Bladder Infection Naturally How to Get Rid of a Urinary Tract Infection Naturally How Do I Get Rid of a Urinary Tract Infection? How To Cure A Sinus Infection Chest Infection and asthma? Terminate your troubles of bladder infection OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS IN AIDS Dog bite Infection Prevention of a Candida Infection Ringing In Ears Caused By Ear Infection - Is The Ringing In Your Ears Caused By A Sinus Or Allergy Problem?