Neurocysticercosis: A disease of neglect

Abstract

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a neglected tropical disease caused by larval forms of the parasite Taenia solium lodging in central nervous system (CNS). There is a huge morbidity and debilitation due to CNS manifestations of NCC in developing and underdeveloped regions of the globe, mainly Asian, African and Latin American countries. It is the cause of epilepsy in about 1% of the population of endemic countries and is the underlying etiology in about 15-50% persons with epilepsy, depending upon the geographical region. There is no perfect diagnostic method and the diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical, radio-imaging, immunologic and epidemiologic data. Treatment includes anti-parasitic treatment by cysticidal drugs and management of associated symptoms and complications. The disease is eradicable and control depends on an integrated and coordinated involvement of international bodies like the World Health Organization along with scientific institutions and political and administrative strata of the endemic countries to provide the essential tools such as adequate sanitation, live-stock management, health education and improved socio-economic conditions.

Genome analysis of Excretory/Secretory proteins in Taenia solium reveals their Abundance of Antigenic Regions (AAR)

“…In humans the cysticerci is predominantly established in the CNS causing neurocysticercosis (NC), which is the most common worldwide tapeworm infection of the brain and it is an endemic disease of developing countries 10 11 . The NC causes symptoms that range from cephalea and dizziness to epilepsy and severe intracranial hypertension, impacting on the social and economic development of the affected communities 11 12 .…”

Characterization of a Thioredoxin-1 Gene fromTaenia soliumand Its Encoding Product

“…Neurocysticercosis is the most common parasitic brain disease worldwide; moreover the high relationship between epilepsy and neurocysticercosis is considered now as a “biological marker” of the social and economic development of a community [ 10 ]. No commercial vaccine exists to prevent this parasitic disease and the treatment relies on two drugs, albendazole and praziquantel, to which T. solium has started to develop resistance [ 11 , 12 ].…”

Neurocysticercosis in Japan

“…Neurocysticercosis is the most common parasitic infestation of the central nervous system, and approximately 2.5 million people worldwide are infested with the adult tapeworm and others with cystic forms. [ 1 2 ]…”

“…Inadvertent ingestion of the eggs of pork tapeworm Taenia solium through food contaminated by people with teniasis, eating of raw meat or inadequately cooked pork may predispose to neurocysticercosis. [ 1 2 ]…”