A new zoonosis of the cerebrospinal fluid of man probably caused byMeningonema peruzzii, a filaria of the central nervous system of Cercopithecidae

Abstract

Summary :A femal e fourth stage larva of Meningonema, probably of M. peruzzii Orihel et Esslinger, 1973, was recovered in Cameroon, from the cerebtospinal fluid of a pati ent harbouring Loa loa, but without any neurological signs. This observation is the first human case of Meningonema (Filatioidea Splendidofilatiinae) which usually parasitizes the central nervous system of African Cercopithecinae. However, as i ndi cated by Orihel and Esslinger, it seems probabl e that the perstans-like microfilariae described in cases of cerebral filariasis in Zimbabwe bel onged to the same species.

Biochemical changes in cerebrospinal fluid of Chlorocebus aethiops naturally infected with zoonotic Meningonema peruzzii

“…These findings are in agreement with other studies that showed that M. peruzzii could be found in blood or CSF or in both [1, 15, 17].…”

“…This indicated that the lesions were possibly due to bacterial infection of traumatic injuries, resulting possibly from fights within the troops. These findings are in agreement with other studies that showed that M. peruzzii could be found in blood or CSF or in both [1,15,17].…”

“…The microfilariae have been recovered in the CSF and blood of infected humans and monkeys [16]. Several cases of human infection with the parasite have been reported [1], indicating its zoonotic potential. However, no detailed CSF studies have been carried out in reported cases.…”

Dirofilaria repensInfection and Concomitant Meningoencephalitis

“…These microfilariae were likely responsible for the generalized immune response as well as for the involvement of the central nervous system. Microfilariae that cross the blood-brain barrier and cause neurologic symptoms in humans or animals have been previously described for other species such as Meningonema peruzzi and D. immitis ( 12 , 13 ). In the case presented here, infection was most likely acquired in India or Sri Lanka, 2 regions where D. repens is endemic ( 7 , 8 , 14 , 15 ).…”

Three probable cases of Loa loa encephalopathy following ivermectin treatment for onchocerciasis.

“…15 The only two well-documented cases attributed to M. perstans have subsequently been shown to be due to Meningonema peruzzii, a filaria of monkeys (Cercopithecidae), a parasite of whose fourth-stage larva has also been found in the CSF of humans. [16][17][18] Another fourth argument is based on pathologic findings that have shown that in all autopsies of encephalopathic cases involving L. loa, the cerebral tissue was diffusely invaded by mf causing microinfarcts and microthromboses. [19][20][21][22] In contrast, neurologic manifestations attributed to lymphatic filariasis have been recorded on only eight occasions, [23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] and the cerebral lesions involved were generally limited to local granulomata.…”