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Review
. 2022 Jun 1;35(3):246-254.
doi: 10.1097/QCO.0000000000000831.

Neurocysticercosis: an update on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

Roberto Pineda-Reyes  1 , A Clinton White Jr
Affiliations
Review

Neurocysticercosis: an update on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

Roberto Pineda-Reyes et al. Curr Opin Infect Dis. .

Abstract

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is an important cause of neurological disease worldwide, including imported cases in nonendemic countries.

Purpose of review: The purpose of this review is to update information on diagnosis, management, and prevention of neurocysticercosis.

Recent findings: WHO and Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene guidelines emphasize the importance of corticosteroids and antiparasitic drugs for viable parenchymal disease and single enhancing lesions. Subarachnoid NCC is associated with a high fatality rate unless optimally treated. Advances in subarachnoid NCC include use of prolonged antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory courses and the increasing use of antigen-detection and quantitative PCR assays in diagnosis and follow-up. Emerging data support the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive surgery in ventricular cases. Calcified neurocysticercosis continues to be associated with a high burden of disease. Field studies are demonstrating the feasibility of eradication using a combination of mass chemotherapy for human tapeworms and vaccination/treatment of porcine cysticercosis.

Summary: NCC remains an important and challenging cause of neurological disease with significant morbidity despite advances in treatment and prevention.

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References

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    1. WHO guidelines on management of Taenia solium, neurocysticercosis. 2021; Geneva: World Health Organization,
    1. Iqbal J, Ahmad S, Al-Awadhi M, et al. A large case series of neurocysticercosis in Kuwait, a nonendemic Arabian Gulf country in the Middle East region. Microorganisms 2021; 9:1221.
    1. Garcia HH, Gonzalez AE, Gilman RH. Taenia solium cysticercosis and its impact in neurological disease. Clin Microbiol Rev 2020; 33:e00085-19.
    1. Herrick JA, Bustos JA, Clapham P, et al. The Cysticercosis Working Group In Peru. Unique characteristics of epilepsy development in neurocysticercosis. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:639–45.

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