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Davaasuren A, Davaajav A, Ukhnaa B, Purvee A, Unurkhaan S, Luvsan A, Logan JE, Ito A. Neurocysticercosis: A case study of a Mongolian traveler who visited China and India with an updated review in Asia. Travel Med Infect Dis 2017; 20:31-36. [PMID: 28478337 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2017.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/23/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurocysticercosis (NCC) of Taenia solium has never been reported in Mongolia. A Mongolian traveler who visited China and India presented with epileptic seizures after his return to Mongolia. Magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple ring enhancing lesions with edema surrounding several lesions in his brain that were initially diagnosed to be viral encephalitis or NCC. METHODS Serology for cysticercosis using diagnostic antigens partially purified by cation-exchange chromatography and chimeric recombinant antigens and DNA analysis of a proglottid found in the patient's stool were applied for differential diagnosis. RESULTS Serology showed strong positivity for NCC, and mitochondrial cox1 gene analysis revealed Indian but not Chinese haplotype of T. solium. CONCLUSION This NCC case was considered to be caused by eggs released from adult tapeworm(s) established after eating uncooked or undercooked pork contaminated with cysticerci during his stay in India. This is a case report of taeniasis and secondary NCC associated with travel to India with an updated review of NCC in Asia. Molecular tracking of the specimen is highly informative as a way to identify where the infection was acquired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Davaasuren
- Laboratory of Parasitology, National Center for Communicable Diseases, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
| | - Abmed Davaajav
- Laboratory of Parasitology, National Center for Communicable Diseases, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
| | - Baigalmaa Ukhnaa
- Department of Radiology, Luxmed Hospital, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
| | | | - Saraa Unurkhaan
- Neurology Center, The State Third Central Hospital, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
| | - Amartuvshin Luvsan
- Department of Radiology, The State Third Central Hospital, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
| | - Jenae E Logan
- Division of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine and Global Health Institute, Duke University, North Carolina, USA.
| | - Akira Ito
- Department of Parasitology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan.
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Gonzales I, Miranda JJ, Rodriguez S, Vargas V, Cjuno A, Smeeth L, Gonzalez AE, Tsang VCW, Gilman RH, Garcia HH. Seizures, cysticercosis and rural-to-urban migration: the PERU MIGRANT study. Trop Med Int Health 2015; 20:546-52. [PMID: 25581851 PMCID: PMC4355387 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To examine the prevalence of seizures, epilepsy and seropositivity to cysticercosis in rural villagers (cysticercosis-endemic setting), rural-to-urban migrants into a non-endemic urban shanty town and urban inhabitants of the same non-endemic shanty town. Methods Three Peruvian populations (n = 985) originally recruited into a study about chronic diseases and migration were studied. These groups included rural inhabitants from an endemic region (n = 200), long-term rural-to-urban migrants (n = 589) and individuals living in the same urban setting (n = 196). Seizure disorders were detected by a survey, and a neurologist examined positive respondents. Serum samples from 981/985 individuals were processed for cysticercosis antibodies on immunoblot. Results Epilepsy prevalence (per 1000 people) was 15.3 in the urban group, 35.6 in migrants and 25 in rural inhabitants. A gradient in cysticercosis antibody seroprevalence was observed: urban 2%, migrant 13.5% and rural group 18% (P < 0.05). A similarly increasing pattern of higher seroprevalence was observed among migrants by age at migration. In rural villagers, there was strong evidence of an association between positive serology and having seizures (P = 0.011) but such an association was not observed in long-term migrants or in urban residents. In the entire study population, compared with seronegative participants, those with strong antibody reactions (≥ 4 antibody bands) were more likely to have epilepsy (P < 0.001). Conclusions It is not only international migration that affects cysticercosis endemicity; internal migration can also affect patterns of endemicity within an endemic country. The neurological consequences of cysticercosis infection likely outlast the antibody response for years after rural-to-urban migration. Objectifs Examiner la prévalence des crises d’épilepsie, de l’épilepsie et de la séropositivité à la cysticercose chez les villageois des zones rurales (cadre endémique pour la cysticercose), chez les migrants des zones ruraux vers les zones urbaines dans un bidonville urbain non endémique et chez les habitants urbains du même bidonville non endémique. Méthodes Trois populations péruviennes (n = 985) recrutées initialement dans une étude sur les maladies chroniques et la migration, ont été étudiées. Ces groupes comprenaient des habitants de zones rurales d'une région d'endémie (n = 200), des migrants de long terme de zones ruraux vers les villes (n = 589) et les personnes vivant dans le même milieu urbain (n = 196). Les troubles épileptiques ont été détectés par un sondage et un neurologue a examiné les répondants positifs. Des échantillons de sérum de 981/985 individus ont été testés pour les anticorps de cysticercose par Immunoblot. Résultats La prévalence de l’épilepsie (pour 1000 personnes) était de 15,3 dans le groupe urbain; 35,6 chez les migrants et 25 dans la population rurale. Un gradient dans la séroprévalence des anticorps de la cysticercose a été observé: dans le groupe urbain 2%, le groupe de migrants 13,5% et le groupe rural 18% (p <0,05). Une tendance croissante similaire de séroprévalence plus élevée a été observée chez les migrants selon l’âge à la migration. Chez les villageois ruraux, il y avait des preuves solides d'une association entre une sérologie positive et le fait d'avoir des crises (p = 0,011), mais une telle association n'a pas été observée chez les migrants de long terme ou chez les résidents urbains. Dans l'ensemble de la population de l’étude, ceux avec de fortes réactions d'anticorps (≥ 4 bandes d'anticorps) étaient plus susceptibles d'avoir l’épilepsie (p <0,001) comparé aux participants séronégatifs. Conclusions La migration internationale n'est pas la seule qui affecte l'endémicité de la cysticercose; la migration interne peut aussi modifier les profils d'endémicité au sein d'un même pays d'endémie. Les conséquences neurologiques de l'infection par la cysticercose sont susceptibles de survivre à la réponse d'anticorps durant des années après la migration des zones rurales vers les zones urbaines. Objetivos Examinar la prevalencia de convulsiones, epilepsia, y seropositividad para cisticercosis entre población rural (de zonas endémicas para cisticercosis), inmigrantes provenientes de zonas rurales a tugurios urbanos no endémicos, y habitantes urbanos de los mismo tugurios urbanos no endémicos. Métodos Se estudiaron tres poblaciones peruanas (n=985) originalmente reclutadas en un estudio de enfermedades crónicas y migración. Estos grupos incluían habitantes rurales de una región endémica (n=200), inmigrantes de larga duración de zonas rurales a urbanas (n=589), e individuos que vivían en la misma zona urbana (n=196). Las convulsiones se detectaron mediante una encuesta y un neurólogo examinó a quienes habían respondido positivamente. Se procesaron muestras de suero de 981/985 individuos en busca de anticuerpos para cisticercosis mediante inmunoblot. Resultados La prevalencia de epilepsia (por 1,000 personas) era de 15.3 en el grupo urbano, 35.6 en inmigrantes y 25 en habitantes rurales. Se observó un gradiente en la seroprevalencia de los anticuerpos para cisticercosis: grupos urbano 2%, inmigrante 13.5% y rural 18% (p<0.05). Se observó un patrón de aumento similar de mayor seroprevalencia entre inmigrantes según la edad que tenían en el momento de emigrar. En pobladores rurales, había una evidencia importante de asociación entre tener una serología positiva y sufrir convulsiones (p=0.011), pero esta asociación no se observaba en inmigrantes de larga duración o residentes urbanos. En la población al completo, comparada con los participantes seronegativos, aquellos con una fuerte reactividad de anticuerpos (≥4 bandas de anticuerpos) tenían una mayor probabilidad de sufrir epilepsia (p<0.001). Conclusiones No solo la migración internacional afecta la endemicidad de cisticercosis; la migración interna también puede afectar los patrones de endemicidad dentro de un país endémico. Las consecuencias neurológicas de la infección por cisticercos podrían durar más que la respuesta a anticuerpos años después de la migración de zonas rurales a zonas urbanas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isidro Gonzales
- Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurologicas, Lima, Peru
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Yasri S, Wiwantikit V. Cysticercosis in returning traveler, a rare problem but really existed. ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF TROPICAL DISEASE 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/s2222-1808(14)60701-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Giordani MT, Tamarozzi F, Cattaneo F, Brunetti E. Three cases of imported neurocysticercosis in Northern Italy. J Travel Med 2014; 21:17-23. [PMID: 24383650 DOI: 10.1111/jtm.12066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2013] [Revised: 06/20/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is an important cause of adult-onset seizures in endemic areas, whereas it is emerging in some nonendemic areas as well because of extensive immigration. METHOD We describe three cases of imported NCC recently admitted to San Bortolo Hospital in Vicenza, located in Northern Italy. RESULTS All patients were immigrants. One patient was human immunodeficiency virus positive with severe immunosuppression. The diagnosis of NCC was made on the basis of magnetic resonance results; failure of anti-Toxoplasma, antitubercular, and antifungal therapy; and regression of the cystic lesions after empiric therapy with albendazole. Serology was positive in only one case. In one patient, NCC was diagnosed by biopsy of the brain lesion. CONCLUSION In nonendemic countries, NCC should be included in the differential diagnosis of all patients coming from endemic areas with seizures, hydrocephalus, and compatible lesions on brain imaging. Long-term follow-up is required but may be difficult to implement because these patients tend to move in search of employment. Screening of patient's household contacts for Taenia solium infection should always be carried out.
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Impacts of globalisation on foodborne parasites. Trends Parasitol 2014; 30:37-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2013.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Revised: 09/18/2013] [Accepted: 09/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Fabiani S, Bruschi F. Neurocysticercosis in Europe: Still a public health concern not only for imported cases. Acta Trop 2013; 128:18-26. [PMID: 23871891 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2013.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Revised: 06/22/2013] [Accepted: 06/30/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis (NCC), a parasitic disease caused by the larvae of the cestode Taenia solium, is the most frequent parasitic disease of the central nervous system (CNS) in the world and the leading cause of secondary epilepsy in Central and South America, East and South Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. It is endemic in many low- and middle-income countries of the world. Due to increased travels and immigration, NCC may be diagnosed also in non-endemic areas. In fact, tapeworm carriers from endemic zones can transmit infection to other citizens or arrive already suffering NCC. This phenomenon, occurred first in USA during the last 30 years, has been also observed in Europe, as well as in Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan and Muslim countries of the Arab World. Actually, concerning Europe, although, in some areas only few cases have been described, nevertheless the prevalence of NCC may be considered increasing, especially in Spain and Portugal. We reviewed the literature on the burden of NCC in Europe, by a search of PubMed regarding papers from 1970 to present. We only considered on PubMed published and available papers in English, French, Italian, and Spanish, the languages understood by the authors. One hundred seventy six cases of NCC have been reported in seventeen European countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Sweden, United Kingdom, and Croatia, Norway, Switzerland). A particular epidemic situation is present in Spain and Portugal. In fact, we collected data that show, in Spain, an increasing incidence both in immigrated patients and in those which were born in certain Spanish geographical areas and, in Portugal, prevalence similar to that observed in endemic areas. Globally, it is clear that as a result of increased migrations and travels from endemic regions, NCC is becoming an emerging public health problem in high-income countries, particularly affecting communities where hygiene conditions are poor and sub-sequentially the parasite can spread from human to human through eggs even in absence of a travel to the tropics. NCC is a preventable disease, it derives that it's important to acquire a great consciousness of the epidemiology and to implement accurate surveillance systems.
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Zammarchi L, Strohmeyer M, Bartalesi F, Bruno E, Muñoz J, Buonfrate D, Nicoletti A, García HH, Pozio E, Bartoloni A. Epidemiology and management of cysticercosis and Taenia solium taeniasis in Europe, systematic review 1990-2011. PLoS One 2013; 8:e69537. [PMID: 23922733 PMCID: PMC3726635 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cysticercosis is caused by the invasion of human or pig tissues by the metacestode larval stage of Taenia solium. In Europe, the disease was endemic in the past but the autochthonous natural life cycle of the parasite is currently completed very rarely. Recently, imported cases have increased in parallel to the increased number of migrations and international travels. The lack of specific surveillance systems for cysticercosis leads to underestimation of the epidemiological and clinical impacts. OBJECTIVES To review the available data on epidemiology and management of cysticercosis in Europe. METHODS A review of literature on human cysticercosis and T. solium taeniasis in Europe published between 1990-2011 was conducted. RESULTS Out of 846 cysticercosis cases described in the literature, 522 cases were autochthonous and 324 cases were imported. The majority (70.1%) of the autochthonous cases were diagnosed in Portugal from 1983 and 1994. Imported cases of which 242 (74.7%) diagnosed in migrants and 57 (17.6%) in European travellers, showed an increasing trend. Most of imported cases were acquired in Latin America (69.8% of migrants and 44.0% of travellers). The majority of imported cases were diagnosed in Spain (47.5%), France (16.7%) and Italy (8.3%). One third of neurosurgical procedures were performed because the suspected diagnosis was cerebral neoplasm. Sixty eight autochthonous and 5 imported T. solium taeniasis cases were reported. CONCLUSIONS Cysticercosis remains a challenge for European care providers, since they are often poorly aware of this infection and have little familiarity in managing this disease. Cysticercosis should be included among mandatory reportable diseases, in order to improve the accuracy of epidemiological information. European health care providers might benefit from a transfer of knowledge from colleagues working in endemic areas and the development of shared diagnostic and therapeutic processes would have impact on the quality of the European health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Zammarchi
- Infectious Disease Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence School of Medicine, Florence, Italy
| | - Marianne Strohmeyer
- Infectious Disease Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence School of Medicine, Florence, Italy
| | - Filippo Bartalesi
- SOD Malattie Infettive e Tropicali, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisa Bruno
- Department G.F. Ingrassia, Section of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - José Muñoz
- Servicio de Medicina Tropical y Salud Internacional, Centre de Recerca en Salut Internacional de Barcelona, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dora Buonfrate
- Centre for Tropical Diseases, Sacro Cuore Hospital, Via Don Sempreboni, Negrar (Verona), Italy
| | - Alessandra Nicoletti
- Department G.F. Ingrassia, Section of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Héctor Hugo García
- Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto de Ciencias Neurologicas, Department of Microbiology, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Edoardo Pozio
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immunomediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bartoloni
- Infectious Disease Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence School of Medicine, Florence, Italy
- SOD Malattie Infettive e Tropicali, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
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Del Brutto OH. Neurocysticercosis in Western Europe: a re-emerging disease? Acta Neurol Belg 2012; 112:335-43. [PMID: 22527788 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-012-0068-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Accepted: 03/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the study was to estimate the magnitude of neurocysticercosis in Western Europe and to determine the pattern of disease expression in the region. Review of patients with neurocysticercosis diagnosed in Western Europe from 1970 to 2011. Abstracted data included: demographic profile, clinical manifestations, form of neurocysticercosis, and whether the disease occurred in immigrants, European international travelers, or Europeans who had never been abroad. A total of 779 patients were found. Of these, only 28 were diagnosed before 1985. Countries with more reported patients were Portugal (n = 384), Spain (n = 228), France (n = 80), The United Kingdom (n = 26), and Italy (n = 21). Information on citizenship status, clinical manifestations, and forms of the disease was available in only 30-40% of patients. Immigrants accounted for 53% of cases, European travelers for 8%, and non-traveler Europeans for 39%. Immigrants/European travelers were most often diagnosed during the new Millennium, presented most often with seizures, and had less frequently inactive (calcified) neurocysticercosis than non-traveler Europeans. The prevalence of neurocysticercosis in Western Europe may be on the rise. The pattern of disease expression is different among immigrants/European travelers than among non-traveler Europeans. It is possible that some patients had acquired the disease as the result of contact with Taenia solium carriers coming from endemic countries. Much remains to be learned on the prevalence of neurocysticercosis in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar H Del Brutto
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Hospital-Clínica Kennedy, Guayaquil, Ecuador.
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Del Brutto OH, Nash TE, Garcia HH. Cysticerci-related single parenchymal brain enhancing lesions in non-endemic countries. J Neurol Sci 2012; 319:32-6. [PMID: 22658897 PMCID: PMC3387547 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2012.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2012] [Revised: 05/10/2012] [Accepted: 05/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Review of case reports and case series of patients with single cysticercus granulomas in non-endemic countries to determine the characteristics of this form of neurocysticercosis in these regions. METHODS MEDLINE and manual search of patients with single cysticercus granulomas diagnosed in non-endemic countries from 1991 to 2011. Abstracted data included: demographic profile, clinical manifestations, form of neurocysticercosis, and whether the disease occurred in immigrants, international travelers, or citizens from non-endemic countries who had never been abroad. RESULTS A total of 77 patients were found. Of these, 61 (79%) were diagnosed since the year 2000. Thirty-four patients (44%) patients were immigrants from endemic countries, 18 (23%) were international travelers returning from disease-endemic areas, and the remaining 25 (33%) were citizens from non-endemic countries who had never been abroad. Most immigrants and international travelers became symptomatic two or more years after returning home. Countries with the most reported patients were Kuwait (n=18), UK (n=11), Australia (n=8), USA (n=7), Japan (n=6), and Israel (n=5). CONCLUSIONS A single cerebral cysticercus granuloma in a non-endemic country is not a rare event. As seen in endemic regions, these cases have a good prognosis although more surgical procedures are performed in non-endemic countries, likely reflecting a decrease of diagnostic suspicion for cysticercosis and an increased availability of surgical options. The mean age of the reported cases was 25 years, and immigrants most often developed the disease greater than two years after arrival into a non-endemic area, suggesting a significant delay between infection and symptoms. However, some may have been infected and developed the disease while residing in non-endemic countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar H Del Brutto
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Hospital-Clínica Kennedy, Guayaquil, Ecuador.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Review of neurocysticercosis in citizens from non-endemic countries who developed the disease after a travel to endemic regions, to estimate the magnitude of the disease and to determine the pattern of disease expression in travelers to disease-endemic areas. METHODS MEDLINE and manual search of international travelers with neurocysticercosis diagnosed in countries where the disease is not endemic, from 1981 to October 2011. Abstracted data included: demographic profile of patients, clinical manifestations, form of neurocysticercosis, and therapy. RESULTS A total of 35 articles reporting 52 patients were found. Most patients were originally from Western Europe, Australia, Israel, and Japan. Mean age was 36.5 ± 15.1 years, and 46% were women. Common places for travelling were the Indian Subcontinent, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Mean time spent aboard was 56.6 ± 56.1 months. Most patients developed symptoms 2 years or more after returning home. Seizures were the most common clinical manifestation of the disease (73%), and all but six patients had parenchymal brain cysticercosis (a single cysticercus granuloma was the most common neuroimaging finding, in 21 patients). Twenty patients underwent surgical resection of the brain lesion for diagnostic purposes, and 22 received cysticidal drugs. CONCLUSIONS Neurocysticercosis is rare in international travelers to endemic countries, and most often occurs in long-term travelers. It is possible that most of these patients get infected by contact with a taenia carrier. The time elapsed between disease acquisition and symptoms occurrence suggests that, at least in some patients, clinical manifestations are related to reactivation of an infection that has previously been controlled by the host immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar H Del Brutto
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Hospital-Clínica Kennedy, Guayaquil, Ecuador.
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Leshem E, Kliers I, Bakon M, Gomori M, Karplus R, Schwartz E. Neurocysticercosis in travelers: a nation-wide study in Israel. J Travel Med 2011; 18:191-7. [PMID: 21539659 DOI: 10.1111/j.1708-8305.2011.00516.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cysticercosis, a human infestation by Taenia solium is endemic in many resource-limited countries. In developed countries it is mostly encountered among immigrant populations. Only few cases are reported in travelers. This report summarizes a nation-wide study of neurocysticercosis (NCC) diagnosed among Israeli travelers to endemic countries, with an estimation of disease incidence among the traveler population. METHODS We performed a retrospective, nation-wide survey of travel-related NCC in Israel between the years 1994 and 2009. RESULTS Nine cases of NCC were diagnosed in Israeli travelers during the study years. Most patients had traveled to South and/or Southeast Asia. The most common symptom at diagnosis was a seizure. The average interval between return from the suspected travel and symptom onset was 3.2 ± 1.8 years. Two patients suffered from multiple lesions, whereas the rest had a single lesion. Antihelminthic treatment was given to most patients with resolution of symptoms. Median duration of antiepileptic treatment was 16 ± 41 months after albendazole was given. Antiepileptic treatment was discontinued without any complications. The estimated attack rate of clinical disease was 1 : 275,000 per travel episode to an endemic region. CONCLUSIONS NCC in travelers is a rare phenomenon commonly presenting as seizure disorder manifesting months to years post-travel. Antihelminthic therapy followed by 12 to 24 months of antiepileptic therapy resulted in complete resolution of symptoms in our patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eyal Leshem
- Center for Geographic Medicine and Department of Medicine C, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
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Han MH, Walker M, Zunt JR. NEUROLOGICAL INFECTIONS IN THE RETURNING INTERNATIONAL TRAVELER. Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2006; 12:133-158. [PMID: 25147444 DOI: 10.1212/01.con.0000290453.95850.ff] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Clinicians may encounter international travelers returning with exotic infections, emerging infectious diseases, or resurgent old-world infections. Many of these infectious diseases can affect the nervous system directly or indirectly. The contemporary neurologist should therefore be cognizant of the clinical manifestations, potential complications, and appropriate management of common travel-related infections. This chapter focuses on five important infections that affect the central nervous system and that may be encountered in returning travelers: Japanese encephalitis, malaria, rabies, dengue, and neurocysticercosis. The clinical manifestations, suggested evaluation, and treatment are discussed for each infection.
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Sciutto E, Fragoso G, Fleury A, Laclette JP, Sotelo J, Aluja A, Vargas L, Larralde C. Taenia solium disease in humans and pigs: an ancient parasitosis disease rooted in developing countries and emerging as a major health problem of global dimensions. Microbes Infect 2000; 2:1875-90. [PMID: 11165932 DOI: 10.1016/s1286-4579(00)01336-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This article reviews current knowledge on human and porcine cysticercosis caused by Taenia solium. It highlights the conditions favorable for its prevalence and transmission, as well as current trends in research on its natural history, epidemiology, immunopathology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Our opinions on the most urgent needs for further research are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Sciutto
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM, AP70228, D.F. 04510, Mexico.
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