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Review
. 2023 Dec;29(12):2569-2572.
doi: 10.3201/eid2912.230697.

Human Taenia martis Neurocysticercosis, Switzerland

Review

Human Taenia martis Neurocysticercosis, Switzerland

Valentin K Steinsiepe et al. Emerg Infect Dis. 2023 Dec.

Abstract

Neurocysticercosis is almost exclusively caused by Taenia solium tapeworms. We describe a case of neurocysticercosis in Switzerland caused by infection with Taenia martis, the marten tapeworm, and review all 5 published cases of human infection with the marten tapeworm. In epidemiologically nonplausible cases of neurocysticercosis, zoonotic spillover infections should be suspected.

Keywords: Switzerland; central nervous system; neurocysticercosis; parasites; parasitic diseases; taenia; tapeworms; zoonoses.

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Figures

Figure
Figure
Histologic sections of resected Taenia martis metacestode from a patient in Switzerland. A) Cross-section through the excised tissue revealed strong infiltration surrounding a structure suggestive of parasitic origin. Boxed areas are shown in a higher magnification in panels B and C. B, C) The metacestode’s cyst wall, showing the warty appearance (B) characteristic of tapeworm metacestodes’ tegument (3,4). Hematoxylin and eosin stain. Scale bars indicate 200 μM (A), 10 μM (B), and 100 μM (C).

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