Parasitic

Question 1

Name 7 important neuro-parasites

Answer 1

• Cysticercosis
• Toxoplasmosis
• Echinoccoccus
• Amebiasis
• Schistosomiasis
• Malaria
• African Trypanosomiasis

Question 2

What is the number 1 aquired EP in the world?

Answer 2

Neurocysticercosis. (the most common cause of seizures in some countries)

Question 3

Where are cysticercosis endemic? (4% of pop in some areas)

Answer 3

In Mexico, eastern Europe, Asia, Central and South America and Africa.

Question 4

What is cysticercosis actually caused by?

Answer 4

Its the larval stage of Taenia Solium - pork tapeworm.

Question 5

How is cysticercosis usually aquried?

Answer 5

By eating food or drinking water contaminated by tapeworms EGGS from human feces from someone with Taeniasis (that usually have essentially no symptoms). The eggs are liberated by gastric acid. actively cross the bowel wall. Via blood to muscles and brain etc.

Question 6

To be infected by the adult worm of Taenia solium is called to have “Taeniasis”. Why does anyone get Taeniasis?

Answer 6

They eat poorly cooked pork containing taenia solium CYSTS.

Question 7

What are the medications for Neurocysticercosis?

Answer 7

*surgery
*Treatment: * Praziquantel or *Albendazole.
*During treatment: Steroids for anti-inflammation purpous
* Antiepileptics

Question 8

What is the intermediate host for taenia solium?

Answer 8

Pig.

Question 9

How does neurocysticercosis look on imaging?

Answer 9

Som en sweizerost.
Massive number of small cysts within the brain.

Question 10

How can cysticercosis be detected?

Answer 10

Serological test-western blot 100% specific and 98% sensitive.