Neurocysticercosis Cause Explained
Neurocysticercosis is a serious parasitic infection affecting the brain and central nervous system.
The infection is specifically caused by the larval stage of the pork tapeworm, scientifically known as $Taenia \, solium$.
Understanding the Parasite Lifecycle
Humans typically get infected with the adult tapeworm $Taenia \, solium$ by eating undercooked pork containing tapeworm larvae (cysticerci).
However, neurocysticercosis occurs when humans ingest $Taenia \, solium$ eggs, usually through contaminated food, water, or poor hygiene. This leads to the development of larval cysts (cysticerci) in various body tissues, including the brain.
Identifying the Correct Cause
- Neurocysticercosis is caused by the larval form of $Taenia \, solium$.
- The adult form of $Taenia \, solium$ causes intestinal tapeworm infection (taeniasis).
- $Taenia \, saginata$, the beef tapeworm, causes taeniasis but not cysticercosis. Its larval form infects cattle, not humans in a way that causes neurocysticercosis.
Therefore, the presence of cysticerci (larval forms) of $Taenia \, solium$ in the brain tissues leads to neurocysticercosis.
Important Questions from Metazoan Infections
- Which among the following is the first intermediate host for the parasitic fluke Clonorchis sinensis?
Which among the following are hepatobiliary flukes (trematodes)?
1. Clonorchis sinensis
2. Mansonella perstans
3. Fasciola hepatica
4. Opisthorchis felineus
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- Which among the following parasitic helminths is a nematode and has zoonotic transmission?
Which of the following statements are correct in respect of scabies?
1. Male mite Sarcoptes scabiei are commonly transferred from an infected person to a non-infected person.
2. Norwegian scabies occur in immunodeficient patients.
3. Permethrin cream (5%) is used for treatment.
4. Pruritus intensifies at night and after hot shower.
Select the answer using the code given below :
Consider the following statements with regard to cysticercosis :
1. It may present as personality change.
2. Subcutaneous nodule may excised for histology.
3. Cerebral signs commonly do not occur until the larvae die, 5-20 years later.
4. Praziquantel can be given for 10 days.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
