A comprehensive review on the neurological impact of parasitic infections

Abstract

Parasitic infections continue to receive little attention in research and health care policy, despite their high prevalence and potential to cause serious neurological complications. For instance, neurocysticercosis, caused by the larval form of Taenia solium, is a leading cause of acquired epilepsy in endemic areas, affecting more than 2 million people worldwide. Toxoplasma gondii, a widespread protozoan parasite, has been linked to behavioral changes, mental health disorders, and an increased risk of schizophrenia, especially in individuals with prior exposure. Importantly, Toxoplasma infection can cause encephalitis, a serious inflammation of the brain, highlighting its critical role in central nervous system diseases. Another striking example is Naegleria fowleri, the brain-eating amoeba, which causes a rare but often fatal infection called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Although rare, PAM has a mortality rate of over 95 %. The neglect of these infections, combined with diagnostic challenges, often leads to delayed or incorrect diagnoses, resulting in avoidable complications and long-term consequences. These parasitic diseases contribute substantially to disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), chronic neurological sequelae, and socioeconomic burdens in affected communities. In this comprehensive review, we focus on a subset of neurotropic parasites and explore their complex interactions with the central nervous system, offering insights into their epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical manifestations. By emphasizing their neurological impact, we aim to underscore the urgent need for increased awareness, research investment, and healthcare prioritization of these neglected tropical diseases.

Keywords: Epidemiology of parasitic infections; Helminthic diseases; Nervous system; Neurological disorders; Pathophysiology of parasitic diseases; Protozoan diseases.