Other CNS Infections

Question 1

Pathogenesis of neurocysticercosis

Answer 1

Ingested ovahatch into the larval form and penetrate the interstitial mucosa then lodge into various parts of the body including the brainespecially the vascular areas
Assist can remain viable in the brain for 2 to 5 years
Dying cysts lead to mark inflammatory response and neurological signs

Question 2

Clinical presentation of neurocysticercosis

Answer 2

Focal seizures: most common

Others:: headaches, focal neurological signs, raised ICP,hydrocephalus if cyst occludes ventricle

Question 3

Treatment of neurocysticercosis

Answer 3

Albendazole with or without steroids

Symptomatic management e.g. antiepileptics

Question 4

Most common prerequisite for fungal CNS infection

Answer 4

Immune deficiency e.g. HIV

Use of antibiotics for primary infection

Question 5

CNS candidiasis mode of spread

Answer 5

Haematogenous dissemination

Question 6

What age is most commonly affected with CNS candidiasis

Answer 6

Premature neonates on TPN and antibacterial drugs

Question 7

Clinical picture of CNS candidiasis

Answer 7

Widespread microabscesses with granulomatous vasculitis and thrombi

Question 8

What is the most common fungal infection of the CNS

Answer 8

Cryptococcosis

Question 9

Pathogenesis of cryptococcosis

Answer 9

Primary infection in the respiratory system with haematogenous spread to other organs including the CNS

Question 10

CSF findings in cryptococcosis

Answer 10

Lymphocyte predominace, increase protein, low sugar, high opening pressure

Question 11

What test do you use to identify cryptococcosis under a microscope

Answer 11

India ink stain

Question 12

Management of cryptococcosis

Answer 12

Six weeks of amphotericin B and 5-fluorocytosine

Question 13

Causative organism in neurocysticercosis

Answer 13

Ova of Taenia Solium (The pig tapeworm)