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Bustos JA, Arroyo G, Del Brutto OH, Gonzales I, Saavedra H, Guzman C, Sanchez-Boluarte SS, Thakur KT, Coyle C, O’Neal SE, Garcia HH. Calcified Neurocysticercosis: Demographic, Clinical, and Radiological Characteristics of a Large Hospital-Based Patient Cohort. Pathogens 2023; 13:26. [PMID: 38251334 PMCID: PMC10820744 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis (NCC), the infection of the central nervous system caused by Taenia solium larvae (cysticerci), is a major cause of acquired epilepsy worldwide. Calcification in NCC is the most common neuroimaging finding among individuals with epilepsy in T. solium-endemic areas. We describe the demographic, clinical, and radiological profiles of a large hospital cohort of patients with calcified NCC in Peru (during the period 2012-2022) and compared profiles between patients with and without a previous known diagnosis of viable infection. A total of 524 patients were enrolled (mean age at enrollment: 40.2 ± 15.2 years, mean age at symptom onset: 29.1 ± 16.1 years, 56.3% women). Of those, 415 patients (79.2%) had previous seizures (median time with seizures: 5 years, interquartile range (IQR): 2-13 years; median number of seizures: 7 (IQR: 3-32)), of which 333 (80.2%) had predominantly focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures; and 358 (68.3%) used antiseizure medication). Patients had a median number of three calcifications (IQR: 1-7), mostly located in the frontal lobes (79%). In 282 patients (53.8%) there was a previous diagnosis of viable infection, while 242 only had evidence of calcified NCC since their initial neuroimaging. Most patients previously diagnosed with viable infection were male, had previous seizures, had seizures for a longer time, had more calcifications, and had a history of taeniasis more frequently than patients without previously diagnosed viable infection (all p < 0.05). Patients with calcified NCC were heterogeneous regarding burden of infection and clinical manifestations, and individuals who were diagnosed after parasites calcified presented with milder disease manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier A. Bustos
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15202, Peru; (J.A.B.); (C.G.); (S.S.S.-B.); (H.H.G.)
- Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurologicas, Lima 15030, Peru; (I.G.); (H.S.); (S.E.O.)
| | - Gianfranco Arroyo
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15202, Peru; (J.A.B.); (C.G.); (S.S.S.-B.); (H.H.G.)
- Direccion de Investigacion, Desarrollo e Innovacion, Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima 15067, Peru
| | - Oscar H. Del Brutto
- School of Medicine and Research Center, Universidad Espiritu Santo-Ecuador, Samborondon 092301, Ecuador;
| | - Isidro Gonzales
- Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurologicas, Lima 15030, Peru; (I.G.); (H.S.); (S.E.O.)
| | - Herbert Saavedra
- Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurologicas, Lima 15030, Peru; (I.G.); (H.S.); (S.E.O.)
| | - Carolina Guzman
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15202, Peru; (J.A.B.); (C.G.); (S.S.S.-B.); (H.H.G.)
- Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurologicas, Lima 15030, Peru; (I.G.); (H.S.); (S.E.O.)
| | - Sofia S. Sanchez-Boluarte
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15202, Peru; (J.A.B.); (C.G.); (S.S.S.-B.); (H.H.G.)
- Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurologicas, Lima 15030, Peru; (I.G.); (H.S.); (S.E.O.)
| | - Kiran T. Thakur
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | - Christina Coyle
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA;
| | - Seth E. O’Neal
- Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurologicas, Lima 15030, Peru; (I.G.); (H.S.); (S.E.O.)
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University, Portland, OR 97207, USA
| | - Hector H. Garcia
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15202, Peru; (J.A.B.); (C.G.); (S.S.S.-B.); (H.H.G.)
- Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurologicas, Lima 15030, Peru; (I.G.); (H.S.); (S.E.O.)
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Southall WR, Southall MS, Aldaas MB, Sagi V, Akella PV. Triggered: Discovery of Neurocysticercosis Following Self-Administered Albendazole. Cureus 2023; 15:e43746. [PMID: 37727167 PMCID: PMC10506364 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
A 25-year-old man with no medical history presented with a seizure one month after taking a self-administered dose of albendazole. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed multiple ring-enhancing lesions, and the workup confirmed neurocysticercosis (NCC). Treatment with antiparasitics was delayed due to concern for worsening symptoms from the presence of cysts in the midbrain and hippocampus. The balance between treating NCC and limiting cerebral inflammation is delicate and relies on judgment from a multispecialty clinical team. In this case, corticosteroids and antiepileptics alone prevented additional seizures but failed to reduce the overall inflammation of cysts and the progression of the disease. Evidence of new cysts on MRI at week 13 from the onset of symptoms was evidence of an acute, evolving infectious process. Treatment with albendazole and praziquantel was initiated at 13 weeks from the onset of symptoms, and by 31 weeks, nearly all cysts had resolved with minimal residual inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mohamad B Aldaas
- Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, USA
| | - Vishwanath Sagi
- Neurology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, USA
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Espinosa-Cerón A, Méndez A, Hernández-Aceves J, Juárez-González JC, Villalobos N, Hernández M, Díaz G, Soto P, Concha L, Pérez-Osorio IN, Ortiz-Retana JJ, Bobes RJ, Parkhouse RM, Hamamoto Filho PT, Fragoso G, Sciutto E. Standardizing an Experimental Murine Model of Extraparenchymal Neurocysticercosis That Immunologically Resembles Human Infection. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1021. [PMID: 37508953 PMCID: PMC10377049 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13071021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is endemic in non-developed regions of the world. Two forms of NCC have been described, for which neurological morbidity depends on the location of the lesion, which can be either within the cerebral parenchyma or in extraparenchymal spaces. The extraparenchymal form (EXP-NCC) is considered the most severe form of NCC. EXP-NCC often requires several cycles of cysticidal treatment and the concomitant use of glucocorticoids to prevent increased inflammation, which could lead to intracranial hypertension and, in rare cases, to death. Thus, the improvement of EXP-NCC treatment is greatly needed. METHODS An experimental murine model of EXP-NCC, as an adequate model to evaluate new therapeutic approaches, and the parameters that support it are described. EXP-NCC was established by injecting 30 Taenia crassiceps cysticerci, which are less than 0.5 mm in diameter, into the cisterna magna of male and female Wistar rats. RESULTS Cyst implantation and infection progression were monitored by detecting the HP10 antigen and anti-cysticercal antibodies in the serum and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) of infected rats and by magnetic resonance imaging. Higher HP10 levels were observed in CSF than in the sera, as in the case of human EXP-NCC. Low cell recruitment levels were observed surrounding established cysticerci in histological analysis, with a modest increase in GFAP and Iba1 expression in the parenchyma of female animals. Low cellularity in CSF and low levels of C-reactive protein are consistent with a weak inflammatory response to this infection. After 150 days of infection, EXP-NCC is accompanied by reduced levels of mononuclear cell proliferation, resembling the human disease. EXP-NCC does not affect the behavior or general status of the rats. CONCLUSIONS This model will allow the evaluation of new approaches to control neuroinflammation and immunomodulatory treatments to restore and improve the specific anti-cysticercal immunity in EXP-NCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Espinosa-Cerón
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Méndez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Juan Hernández-Aceves
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Juan C Juárez-González
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Nelly Villalobos
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Marisela Hernández
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Georgina Díaz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Paola Soto
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Luis Concha
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro 76230, Mexico
| | - Iván N Pérez-Osorio
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Juan J Ortiz-Retana
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro 76230, Mexico
| | - Raúl J Bobes
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Robert M Parkhouse
- Instituto Gulbekian de Ciência, Portugal. R. Q.ta Grande 6, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - P T Hamamoto Filho
- Department of Neurology, Psychology and Psychiatry, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP-Universidade Estadual Paulista, São Paulo 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Gladis Fragoso
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Edda Sciutto
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
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Hamamoto Filho PT, Rodríguez-Rivas R, Fleury A. Neurocysticercosis: A Review into Treatment Options, Indications, and Their Efficacy. Res Rep Trop Med 2022; 13:67-79. [PMID: 36601353 PMCID: PMC9807125 DOI: 10.2147/rrtm.s375650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis, due to the localization of Taenia solium larvae in the Central Nervous System, is a neglected tropical disease still endemic in much of Latin America, Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The therapeutic management of NC has gradually improved with the establishment of neuroimaging studies (CT and MRI) in endemic countries and with the demonstration of the efficacy of albendazole and praziquantel in the 1980s. But the morbidity and mortality of this preventable disease remain an unacceptable fact. In this scoping review, we will revise the different treatment options and their indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Tadao Hamamoto Filho
- Department of Neurology, Psychology and Psychiatry, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP –Universidad de Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Roberto Rodríguez-Rivas
- Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suarez, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Agnès Fleury
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México,Clínica de Neurocisticercosis, Instituto Nacional de Neurología Y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suarez, Ciudad de México, México,Correspondence: Agnès Fleury, Insurgentes Sur 3877 CP 14269 Barrio La Fama, Tlalpan, Ciudad de México, México, Tel +52 5556063822, Email
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Steyn TJS, Awala AN, de Lange A, Raimondo JV. What Causes Seizures in Neurocysticercosis? Epilepsy Curr 2022; 23:105-112. [PMID: 37122403 PMCID: PMC10131564 DOI: 10.1177/15357597221137418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most prevalent parasitic infection of the central nervous system. It is caused by the presence of larvae of the cestode Taenia solium in the brain. The most common symptom of NCC is seizures, and it is widely considered the world’s leading cause of preventable epilepsy. Despite the prevalence and impact of NCC, a thorough, mechanistic understanding of seizure generation is still lacking. In this review, we address the question “What causes seizures in NCC?” by summarizing and discussing the major theories that seek to explain the seizurogenic and epileptogenic processes in this disorder. In addition, we highlight the potential for recent advances in disease modeling to help accelerate progress in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Julieta Simões Steyn
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Neuroscience Institute and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Amalia Naita Awala
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Neuroscience Institute and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Anja de Lange
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Neuroscience Institute and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Joseph Valentino Raimondo
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Neuroscience Institute and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
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6
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Garcia HH, Verastegui MR, Arroyo G, Bustos JA, Gilman RH. New animal models of neurocysticercosis can help understand epileptogenesis in neuroinfection. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1039083. [PMID: 36466808 PMCID: PMC9708716 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1039083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hector H. Garcia
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru,Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurologicas, Lima, Peru,Asociación Benéfica PRISMA, Lima, Peru,*Correspondence: Hector H. Garcia
| | - Manuela R. Verastegui
- Alberto Cazorla School of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Gianfranco Arroyo
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru,Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurologicas, Lima, Peru
| | - Javier A. Bustos
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru,Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurologicas, Lima, Peru
| | - Robert H. Gilman
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Idro R, Ogwang R, Barragan A, Raimondo JV, Masocha W. Neuroimmunology of Common Parasitic Infections in Africa. Front Immunol 2022; 13:791488. [PMID: 35222377 PMCID: PMC8866860 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.791488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic infections of the central nervous system are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Africa. The neurological, cognitive, and psychiatric sequelae of these infections result from a complex interplay between the parasites and the host inflammatory response. Here we review some of the diseases caused by selected parasitic organisms known to infect the nervous system including Plasmodium falciparum, Toxoplasma gondii, Trypanosoma brucei spp., and Taenia solium species. For each parasite, we describe the geographical distribution, prevalence, life cycle, and typical clinical symptoms of infection and pathogenesis. We pay particular attention to how the parasites infect the brain and the interaction between each organism and the host immune system. We describe how an understanding of these processes may guide optimal diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to treat these disorders. Finally, we highlight current gaps in our understanding of disease pathophysiology and call for increased interrogation of these often-neglected disorders of the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Idro
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Centre of Tropical Neuroscience, Kitgum, Uganda.,Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rodney Ogwang
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Centre of Tropical Neuroscience, Kitgum, Uganda.,Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) - Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Antonio Barragan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joseph Valentino Raimondo
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Neuroscience Institute and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Willias Masocha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
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Improved Diagnosis of Viable Parenchymal Neurocysticercosis by Combining Antibody Banding Patterns on Enzyme-Linked Immunoelectrotransfer Blot (EITB) with Antigen Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). J Clin Microbiol 2022; 60:e0155021. [PMID: 34851685 PMCID: PMC8849202 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01550-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of neurocysticercosis (NCC) depends on neuroimaging and serological confirmation. While antibody detection by enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) fails to predict viable NCC, EITB banding patterns provide information about the host's infection course. Adding antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Ag-ELISA) results to EITB banding patterns may improve their ability to predict or rule out of viable NCC. We assessed whether combining EITB banding patterns with Ag-ELISA improves discrimination of viable infection in imaging-confirmed parenchymal NCC. EITB banding patterns were grouped into classes using latent class analysis. True-positive and false-negative Ag-ELISA results in each class were compared using Fisher's exact test. Four classes were identified: 1, EITB negative or positive to GP50 alone (GP50 antigen family); 2, positive to GP42-39 and GP24 (T24/42 family), with or without GP50; and 3 and 4, positive to GP50, GP42-39, and GP24 and reacting to bands in the 8-kDa family. Most cases in classes 3 and 4 had viable NCC (82% and 88%, respectively) compared to classes 2 and 1 (53% and 5%, respectively). Adding positive Ag-ELISA results to class 2 predicted all viable NCC cases (22/22 [100%]), whereas 11/40 patients (27.5%) Ag-ELISA negative had viable NCC (P < 0.001). Only 1/4 patients (25%) Ag-ELISA positive in class 1 had viable NCC, whereas 1/36 patients (2.8%) Ag-ELISA negative had viable NCC (P = 0.192). In classes 3 and 4, adding Ag-ELISA was not contributory. Combining Ag-ELISA with EITB banding patterns improves discrimination of viable from nonviable NCC, particularly for class 2 responses. Together, these complement neuroimaging more appropriately for the diagnosis of viable NCC.
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Guzman C, Garcia HH. Current Diagnostic Criteria for Neurocysticercosis. Res Rep Trop Med 2021; 12:197-203. [PMID: 34408532 PMCID: PMC8364393 DOI: 10.2147/rrtm.s285393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis (NCC) causes significant neurological morbidity around the world, and is the most common preventable factor for epilepsy in adults. It is endemic in most developing countries, and also diagnosed with some frequency in industrialized countries because of travel and migration. The clinical manifestations of NCC are extremely variable and may include almost any neurological symptom, depending on the number of lesions, location, size and evolutive stage of the infecting parasitic larvae and the immune response of the host. Thus, the diagnosis of NCC relies mostly on neuroimaging and immunological tests. Despite being a disease with a known etiology, the lack of specificity of clinical manifestations and auxiliary examinations makes its diagnosis difficult. In an attempt for developing a standard diagnosis approach, a chart of diagnostic criteria for NCC was initially published in 1996, and revised in 2001 and 2017. This chart of diagnostic criteria systematized the diagnosis of NCC and became widely used worldwide. This manuscript describes the structure of the chart, the principles behind the changes for each revision, as well as the context of its use and potential for improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Guzman
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Hector H Garcia
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú,Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas, Lima, Perú,Correspondence: Hector H Garcia Email
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Carpio A, Romo ML, Hauser WA, Kelvin EA. New understanding about the relationship among neurocysticercosis, seizures, and epilepsy. Seizure 2021; 90:123-129. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
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Butala C, Brook TM, Majekodunmi AO, Welburn SC. Neurocysticercosis: Current Perspectives on Diagnosis and Management. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:615703. [PMID: 34041288 PMCID: PMC8141574 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.615703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Porcine cysticercosis, human taeniasis, and (neuro)cysticercosis are endemic in many low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) where they present a significant health burden to affected communities. Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is one of the leading causes of human epilepsy in many hyperendemic regions in Latin America, Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports an estimated 2.5-8.3 million cases of NCC annually with a disability-adjusted life year (DALY) burden of 2.8 million, but as for all neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), these values are likely to be underestimated. Diagnosis of NCC is complex and most accurately diagnosed using clinical neuroimaging that is unavailable in most hyperendemic regions in LMIC. On January 28, 2021, WHO will launch its road map for the NTDs' "Ending the neglect to attain the Sustainable Development Goals: a road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021-2030." Taeniasis/cysticercosis is targeted for control success considered as steady increase in the number of countries with intensified control in hyperendemic areas [increasing from 2 (3%) in 2020 to 4 (6%) in 2023, to 9 (14%) by 2025, and to 17 (27%) by 2030]. Cross-cutting targets that include 100% access to at least basic water supply, sanitation, and hygiene in areas endemic for NTDs and 75% integrated treatment coverage for preventative chemotherapy will additionally impact on the taeniasis/cysticercosis/NCC complex. With no vaccine available for humans, prevention of infection depends on communication to the public of the life cycle of a complex zoonosis to promote behavior change, underpinned by practical control measures including treatment of human taeniasis and (neuro)cysticercosis with albendazole and praziquantel [widely used as part of the mass drug administration (MDA) deworming programs], surgery where appropriate, and effective vaccination and deworming for pigs supported by meat inspection. Here, we review recent advances in tools and implementation for Taenia solium taeniasis/(neuro)cysticercosis (TSTC) control and milestones on the onward path to elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Butala
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - T. M. Brook
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ayodele O. Majekodunmi
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Susan Christina Welburn
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Arora N, Prasad A. Taenia solium proteins: a beautiful kaleidoscope of pro and anti-inflammatory antigens. Expert Rev Proteomics 2020; 17:609-622. [PMID: 32985289 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2020.1829486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is an acquired infection of central nervous system associated with epileptic seizures. The parasite 'Taenia solium' causes this disease and has a complex life cycle and molts into various stages that influence the host-parasite interaction. The disease has a long asymptomatic phase with viable cyst and degeneration of cyst and leaking cyst fluid has been associated with symptomatic phase. The parasite proteome holds the answers and clues to this complex clinical presentation and hence unraveling of proteome of parasite antigens is needed for better understanding of host-parasite interactions. Objective: To understand the proteome make-up of T. solium cyst vesicular fluid (VF) and excretory secretory proteins (ESPs). Methodology: The VF and ESPs for the study were prepared from cyst harvested from naturally infected swine. The samples were prepared for nano LC-MS by in-tube digestion of proteins. The spectra obtained were annotated and enrichment analysis was performed and in silico analysis was done. Results: T. solium VF and ESPs have 206 and 247 proteins of varied make-up including pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory nature. Conclusions: Due to varied make-up of VF and ESPs it can generate complex humoral and cellular immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naina Arora
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi , Mandi, India
| | - Amit Prasad
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi , Mandi, India
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Arroyo G, Bustos JA, Lescano AG, Gonzales I, Saavedra H, Rodriguez S, Pretell EJ, Bonato PS, Lanchote VL, Takayanagui OM, Horton J, Gonzalez AE, Gilman RH, Garcia HH. Albendazole Sulfoxide Plasma Levels and Efficacy of Antiparasitic Treatment in Patients With Parenchymal Neurocysticercosis. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 69:1996-2002. [PMID: 30715265 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The efficacy of albendazole therapy in patients with parenchymal neurocysticercosis (NCC) is suboptimal. Plasma levels of albendazole sulfoxide (ASOX), the active metabolite of albendazole, are highly variable among patients. We hypothesized that high ASOX plasma levels during albendazole therapy may be associated with an increased antiparasitic efficacy. METHODS ASOX plasma levels were measured at treatment day 7 in 118 patients with parenchymal NCC enrolled in a treatment trial. The relationships between increasing ASOX plasma levels with the proportion of cysts resolved and the proportion of patients with complete cyst resolution (evaluated by 6-month brain magnetic resonance) were assessed. RESULTS There was a trend toward a higher proportion of cysts resolved and a higher proportion of patients cured with increasing quartiles of ASOX plasma levels. In patients with 3 or more brain cysts, the regression analysis adjusted by the concomitant administration of praziquantel (PZQ) showed a 2-fold increase in the proportion of cysts resolved (risk ratio [RR], 1.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-3.89; P = .048) and 2.5-fold increase in the proportion of patients cured (RR, 2.45; 95% CI, .94-6.36; P = .067) when ASOX levels in the highest vs the lowest quartile were compared. No association was found in patients with 1-2 brain cysts. CONCLUSIONS We suggest an association between high ASOX plasma levels and increased antiparasitic efficacy in patients with parenchymal NCC. Nonetheless, this association is also influenced by other factors including parasite burden and concomitant administration of PZQ. These findings may serve to individualize and/or adjust therapy schemes to avoid treatment failure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Javier A Bustos
- Department of Microbiology, School of Sciences, Lima.,Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima.,Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas, Lima
| | | | - Isidro Gonzales
- Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas, Lima
| | - Herbert Saavedra
- Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas, Lima
| | - Silvia Rodriguez
- Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas, Lima
| | | | - Pierina S Bonato
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, United Kingdom
| | - Vera L Lanchote
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, United Kingdom
| | - Osvaldo M Takayanagui
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo Brasil, United Kingdom
| | | | - Armando E Gonzalez
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Robert H Gilman
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Hector H Garcia
- Department of Microbiology, School of Sciences, Lima.,Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima.,Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas, Lima
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14
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Garcia HH, Gonzalez AE, Gilman RH. Taenia solium Cysticercosis and Its Impact in Neurological Disease. Clin Microbiol Rev 2020; 33:e00085-19. [PMID: 32461308 PMCID: PMC7254859 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00085-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Taenia solium neurocysticercosis (NCC) is endemic in most of the world and contributes significantly to the burden of epilepsy and other neurological morbidity. Also present in developed countries because of immigration and travel, NCC is one of few diseases targeted for eradication. This paper reviews all aspects of its life cycle (taeniasis, porcine cysticercosis, human cysticercosis), with a focus on recent advances in its diagnosis, management, and control. Diagnosis of taeniasis is limited by poor availability of immunological or molecular assays. Diagnosis of NCC rests on neuroimaging findings, supported by serological assays. The treatment of NCC should be approached in the context of the particular type of infection (intra- or extraparenchymal; number, location, and stage of lesions) and has evolved toward combined symptomatic and antiparasitic management, with particular attention to modulating inflammation. Research on NCC and particularly the use of recently available genome data and animal models of infection should help to elucidate mechanisms of brain inflammation, damage, and epileptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector H Garcia
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas, Lima, Peru
| | - Armando E Gonzalez
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Robert H Gilman
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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15
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Nanodelivery of nitazoxanide: impact on the metabolism of Taenia crassiceps cysticerci intracranially inoculated in mice. Ther Deliv 2020; 11:329-339. [PMID: 32486970 DOI: 10.4155/tde-2020-0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To formulate nanocapsules and nanoemulsions of nitazoxanide (NTZ) and evaluate the metabolic effect on Taenia crassiceps cysticerci inoculated intracranially into mice. Materials & methods: NTZ nanosystems were formulated through solvent diffusion methodology. These nanoformulations were administered perorally and their impact on glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle and fatty acid metabolism in T. crassiceps cysticerci was investigated. Results: Gluconeogenesis and protein catabolism were significantly increased by the nanoformulations when compared with the control group and the NTZ-treated group. All the other metabolic pathways were inhibited by the nanoformulation treatments. Conclusion: The remarkable metabolic modifications that occur in this in vivo model through the application of these developed nanosystems confirm their capability to deliver NTZ into targeted tissues.
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16
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Herrick JA, Bustos JA, Clapham P, Garcia HH, Loeb JA, For The Cysticercosis Working Group In Peru. Unique Characteristics of Epilepsy Development in Neurocysticercosis. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:639-645. [PMID: 32431269 PMCID: PMC7410468 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The parasitic helminth infection neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most common cause of adult-acquired epilepsy in the world. Despite the serious consequences of epilepsy due to this infection, an in-depth review of the distinct characteristics of epilepsy due to neurocysticercosis has never been conducted. In this review, we evaluate the relationship between NCC and epilepsy and the unique characteristics of epilepsy caused by NCC. We also discuss recent advances in our understanding of NCC-related epilepsy, including the importance of anti-inflammatory therapies, the association between NCC and temporal lobe epilepsy, and the recent discovery of biomarkers of severe epilepsy development in individuals with NCC and seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesica A Herrick
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Immunology, and International Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Javier A Bustos
- Center for Global Health, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, and Cysticercosis Unit, Lima, Perú
| | - Philip Clapham
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Immunology, and International Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Hector H Garcia
- Center for Global Health, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, and Cysticercosis Unit, Lima, Perú
| | - Jeffrey A Loeb
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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17
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Histopathologic evaluation of experimental murine neurocysticercosis after treatment with albendazole/nitazoxanide combination. Parasitology 2020; 147:822-827. [PMID: 32234089 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020000505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most common helminthic brain infection related to epilepsy. Only albendazole (ABZ) and praziquantel are used in its treatment. The development of new therapeutics has been encouraged. Taenia crassiceps cysticerci intracranial infection is the experimental model used in NCC studies. This study evaluated the histopathology of the brains of BALB/c mice experimentally infected with T. crassiceps cysticerci after the treatment with the ABZ/nitazoxanide (NTZ) combination. Thirty days after the inoculation the mice received an oral single dose of the ABZ/NTZ combination (40 mg kg-1 each). The control groups were treated with: NaCl 0.9%; ABZ or NTZ. The histopathologic evaluation of the brains was performed 24 h after treatment. The ABZ treatment induced discrete mononuclear inflammatory infiltration, meningitis, gliosis, hyperaemia and hippocampus compression; moderate ependimitis and oedema. The NTZ treatment induced accentuated inflammatory infiltration, foamy macrophages, ependimitis, choroiditis, gliosis and hyperaemia and moderate oedema. The ABZ/NTZ combination treatment induced a significant decrease in the polymorphonuclear inflammatory infiltration, ependimitis, choroiditis, gliosis, hyperaemia and ventriculomegaly in comparison with the other groups. The cysticerci showed destruction of the tegument not observed in other groups. The ABZ/NTZ combination is efficient as the parasite showed signs of destruction and lower damage to the host's tissue.
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Zammarchi L, Angheben A, Fantoni T, Chiappini E, Mantella A, Galli L, Marchese V, Zavarise G, Bisoffi Z, Bartoloni A. Screening for neurocysticercosis in internationally adopted children: yield, cost and performance of serological tests, Italy, 2001 to 2016. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 23. [PMID: 30301492 PMCID: PMC6178589 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2018.23.40.1700709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is one of the leading causes of epilepsy worldwide. The majority of cases in Europe are diagnosed in immigrants. Currently in Italy, routine serological screening for cysticercosis is recommended for internationally adopted children (IAC) coming from endemic countries. Methods: We retrospectively analyse the results of the serological screening for cysticercosis in IAC 16 years old or younger, attending two Italian third level paediatric clinics in 2001–16. Results: Of 2,973 children included in the study, 2,437 (82.0%) were screened by enzyme-linked immune electro transfer blot (EITB), 1,534 (51.6%) by ELISA, and 998 (33.6%) by both tests. The seroprevalence of cysticercosis ranged between 1.7% and 8.9% according to EITB and ELISA, respectively. Overall, 13 children were diagnosed with NCC accounting for a NCC frequency of 0.4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.2–0.6%). Among the 168 seropositive children, only seven (4.2%) were diagnosed with NCC. Of these children, three were asymptomatic and four presented epilepsy. Among seronegative children (n = 2,805), seven presented with neurological symptoms that lead to the diagnosis of NCC in six cases. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value for the diagnosis of NCC were 54.5%, 98.6%, 14.6%, 99.8% for EITB and 22.2%, 91.1%, 1.4%, 99.5% for ELISA. The yield of the screening programme was 437 NCC cases per 100,000. The number needed to screen to detect one NCC case was 228. The cost per NCC case detected was EUR 10,372. Conclusion: On the base of our findings we suggest the ongoing serological screening for cysticercosis to be discontinued, at least in Italy, until further evidence in support will be available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Zammarchi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.,Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Angheben
- Centre for Tropical Diseases, Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Italy
| | - Teresa Fantoni
- Health Human Sciences School, Medicine and Surgery Degree Course, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Chiappini
- Infectious Disease Unit, Meyer University Hospital, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Antonia Mantella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Luisa Galli
- Infectious Disease Unit, Meyer University Hospital, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Valentina Marchese
- University Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases & WHO Collaborating Centre for TB/HIV and TB elimination, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Centre for Tropical Diseases, Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zavarise
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria, Negrar, Italy
| | - Zeno Bisoffi
- Centre for Tropical Diseases, Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bartoloni
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.,Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Alroy KA, Arroyo G, Gilman RH, Gonzales-Gustavson E, Gallegos L, Gavidia CM, Verastegui M, Rodriguez S, Lopez T, Gomez-Puerta LA, Alroy J, Garcia HH, Gonzalez AE, For The Cysticercosis Working Group In Peru. Carotid Taenia solium Oncosphere Infection: A Novel Porcine Neurocysticercosis Model. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018; 99:380-387. [PMID: 29893202 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis (NCC), the infection of the human central nervous system (CNS) with larval cysts of Taenia solium causes widespread neurological morbidity. Animal models are crucial for studying the pathophysiology and treatment of NCC. Some drawbacks of current NCC models include differences in the pathogenesis of the model and wild-type parasite, low rates of infection efficiency and lack of reproducibility. We describe a novel porcine model that recreates infection in the CNS with high efficiency. Activated oncospheres, either in a high (45,000-50,000) or low (10,000) dose were inoculated in the common carotid artery of 12 pigs by ultrasound-guided catheterization. Following oncosphere injection, either a high (30 mL) or low (1-3 mL) volume of saline flush was also administered. Cyst burden in the CNS was evaluated independently according to oncosphere dose and flush volume. Neurocysticercosis was achieved in 8/12 (66.7%) pigs. Cyst burden in the CNS of pigs was higher in the high versus the low oncosphere dose category (median: 4.5; interquartile ranges [IQR]: 1-8 and median: 1; IQR: 0-4, respectively) and in the high versus the low flush volume category (median 5.5; IQR: 1-8 and median: 1; IQR: 0-2, respectively), although not statistically different. All cysts in the CNS were viable, whereas both viable and degenerated cysts were found in the musculature. Carotid injection of activated oncospheres in pigs is effective in reproducing NCC. Oncosphere entry into the CNS by way of vasculature mimics wild-type infection, and provides a useful alternative for future investigations on the pathogenesis and antiparasitic treatment of NCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen A Alroy
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gianfranco Arroyo
- School of Public Health and Management, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Robert H Gilman
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Linda Gallegos
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Cesar M Gavidia
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Manuela Verastegui
- Departments of Pathology, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Silvia Rodriguez
- Microbiology of the School of Science, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Teresa Lopez
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Luis A Gomez-Puerta
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Joseph Alroy
- School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hector H Garcia
- Microbiology of the School of Science, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Armando E Gonzalez
- Microbiology of the School of Science, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
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20
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Taenia solium, Taenia saginata, Taenia asiatica, their hybrids and other helminthic infections occurring in a neglected tropical diseases' highly endemic area in Lao PDR. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006260. [PMID: 29420601 PMCID: PMC5821399 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Most part of Southeast Asia is considered endemic for human-infecting Taenia tapeworms; Taenia solium, T. saginata, and T. asiatica. However, until now there was no report of the occurrence of human cases of T. asiatica in Lao PDR. This study, conducted in Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR, microscopically examined a total of 470 fecal samples by Kato Katz method and found 86% of people harboring at least one helminth. Hookworms were detected in 56% of the samples besides Opisthorchis like eggs (42%), Trichuris trichiura (27%), Ascaris spp. (14%), and Taenia spp. (4%) eggs. Serology for cysticercosis showed 6.8% positives with results varying from 3% to 14.3% in Ethnic School students and Kalouk Kao village respectively. Species-specific PCR targeting mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of 28 tapeworms, recovered from 16 patients, revealed T. solium (n = 2), T. saginata (n = 21), and T. asiatica (n = 5). Two patients were confirmed to be coinfected with T. saginata and T. asiatica, indicating the endemicity of the 3 human Taenia in Lao PDR. However, nucleotide sequencing of a nuclear DNA gene, DNA polymerase delta (pold) revealed that all the tapeworms identified as T. asiatica using mtDNA had T. saginata type allele at pold locus, demonstrating that they are not "pure T. asiatica" but the hybrid descendants between the two species, confirming the wide distribution of hybrids of T. saginata/ T. asiatica in Southeast Asia. The high prevalence of several helminthic NTDs in east Savannakhet area even with conventional control measures indicates the importance to establish wide and multifaceted health programs to sustainably improve the quality of life of the populations living in these communities.
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