Cysticercosis of central nervous system

Definition

A disease of the central nervous system, caused by an infection of tissue with larval cysts from the parasitic worm Taenia solium. This disease presents with symptoms depending on the site of infection, the number and size of cysts, and the individual's immune status. This disease may present with epilepsy, chronic headache, hydrocephalus, neurological deficits, or may be asymptomatic. Transmission is by haematogenous spread of larvae to the central nervous system after ingestion of Taenia solium eggs in contaminated food or water. Confirmation is by detection of antibodies against Taenia solium in a blood sample, or cerebrospinal fluid and advanced imaging of the brain.

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