Recent Advances in the Diagnosis of Neurocysticercosis

AbstractPurpose of reviewNeurocysticercosis (NCC) results from the localization in the central nervous system (CNS) of larval stages of the cestode parasiteTaenia solium. NCC is the most common helminthic parasitic disease of the nervous system and the main cause of acquired epilepsy. This literature review presents an update in NCC diagnostic techniques, including neuroimaging, immunological assays, molecular assays, and clinical manifestations.Recent findingsNCC can cause a wide array of neurological manifestations, most of them being non-pathognomonic. Diagnosis of this infection represents a challenge due to its nonspecific symptoms and limited resources in endemic regions. Diagnoses by neuroimaging and immunological assessment are the current criteria used to diagnose NCC.SummaryCurrent diagnostic techniques continue to be non-affordable and non-available in most endemic regions. The development of novel and affordable standardized diagnostic techniques is of urgent need in order to determine the actual global burden caused by NCC.
Source: Current Treatment Options in Infectious Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research