Neurocysticercosis: updated concepts about an old disease.
Neurocysticercosis, the infection of the human brain by the larvae of Taenia solium, is a major cause of acquired epilepsy in most low-income countries. Cases of neurocysticercosis are becoming more common in high-income countries because of increased migration and travel. Diagnosis by neuroimaging and serological assessment has greatly improved over the past decade, and the natural progression of the disease and response to antiparasitic drugs is now much better understood. Neurocysticercosis is potentially eradicable, and control interventions are underway to eliminate this infection. Meanwhile, updated information on diagnosis and management of neurocysticercosis is required, especially for clinicians who are unfamiliar with its wide array of clinical presentations.
Garcia
Hector H
HH
Cysticercosis Unit, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Lima, Peru. hgarcia@jhsph.edu
Del Brutto
Oscar H
OH
D000818:Animals; D000977:Antiparasitic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000469:parasitology / Q000473:pathology; D003906:Developing Countries; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000592:standards; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D020019:Neurocysticercosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D011859:Radiography; D013346:Subarachnoid Space / Q000469:parasitology / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D041201:Taenia solium / Q000502:physiology*
D000977:Antiparasitic Agents