Neurocysticercosis is the most common parasitic disease of the nervous system worldwide. This is a comprehensive, single-source review of the history, epidemiology, biological and parasitological features of the disease, as well as its immunological, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects.

​Neurocysticercosis (neural infection by larvae of Taenia solium) occurs when humans become intermediate hosts of the tapeworm Taenia solium after ingesting its eggs. The disease is now the most common helminthic infection of the nervous system in humans, and its prevalence has risen significantly even in countries where it was formerly considered exotic. The introduction of modern neuroimaging and serologic techniques has improved the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis; furthermore, the development of potent cysticidal drugs has changed the prognosis of most affected patients. Nevertheless, much remains to be learned about this parasitic disease. This book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the various aspects of cysticercosis of the nervous system that will be of interest to all who are involved in the care of patients with this disease. Epidemiology, neuropathology, immunopathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management are all thoroughly discussed based on current evidence and practice.

Cysticercosis, an infection caused by the cystic larvae of the pork tapeworm Taenia solium, is one of the most frequent parasitic infections of the human nervous system (neurocysticercosis). It is endemic in most of Latin America, the sub-Saharan Africa, and vast parts of Asia, including the Indian subcontinent. It has also been increasingly diagnosed in developed countries because of migration of people from endemic zones and exposure in travelers. The life cycle involves the development of the adult tapeworm in the human small intestine (after ingesting infected pork with cysts) and larval infection in pig tissues (after ingesting human stools containing the eggs of the tapeworm). Humans get infected by the fecal-oral route, most often from a direct contact with an asymptomatic Taenia carrier. Most common clinical presentations are seizures (particularly late-onset seizures), chronic headaches, and intracranial hypertension. However, cysticerci can locate anywhere in the human nervous system, thus potentially causing almost any neurological syndrome and making clinical diagnosis a difficult task. Neuroimaging is the main diagnostic tool, and specific serology confirms the diagnosis and helps to define the diagnosis when images are unclear. Factors such as location (extraparenchymal versus intraparenchymal), number, size and evolutive stage of the parasites determine the clinical manifestations, therapeutic approach, and prognosis. Management includes symptomatic drugs (analgesics, antiepileptic drugs, anti-inflammatory agents) and in many cases cysticidal drugs, either albendazole or praziquantel. In recent years, efforts have focused on transmission control and potential elimination in endemic regions.

Expanded and revised, this unique book provides concise descriptions of the many causes of epilepsy, for use in clinical practice.

This updated edition remains the essential text for pathologists seeking to make accurate diagnoses from the vast number of differentials.

Solitary Cysticercus Granuloma Is One Of The Most Common Parasitic Diseases Of The Brain. This Monograph Is The Outcome Of Research Undertaken At Cmc, Vellore. It Also Takes Into Account Recent Work In Other Parts Of The World. The Contributors Include Neurologists, Neurosurgeons, Neurochemists And Neuropathologists.

The increase of immigrant population in developed countries (mainly in Europe and North America) together with an important increase of international travel worldwide are the two most important causes that have contributed to the introduction and diagnosis of imported/tropical infectious diseases in these countries. These factors have had an important impact in developed countries in both social and economic aspects. Imported Infectious Diseases focuses not only on describing the infections, but also in evaluating the current epidemiology, the economic and social impact and the possibility to apply immunization measures and vaccines. The main purpose of this book is to give an overview of the current most important and frequent imported infectious diseases in developed countries. The first chapter informs about the medical services that are being offered to the immigrants in the main developed countries depending on the legal situation. Following chapters describe the main surveillance systems for these kinds of diseases, mainly in Europe and North America. Finally, remaining chapters contain sections on epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Taenia solium cysticercosis is a parasitic disease caused by the dissemination of the larval form of the pork tapeworm and affects an estimated 50 million people worldwide. It is endemic in several developing countries, including many in Central and South America, Africa and South Asia. Through increased immigration and international travel, it is also of emerging significance in developed countries such as the USA.This book, written by international leading experts in the field, covers the basic science and clinical aspects of Taenia solium, its pathology, investigational aspects of neurocysticercosis, and therapy and prevention

With parasitic diseases increasing worldwide it’s vitally important that radiologists in particular stay up to date with developments. In this brilliantly useful volume, the authors cover the imaging findings for parasitic diseases that can affect the human body using modern imaging equipments. Every chapter consists of a short description of causative agent, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, and imaging findings with illustrative examples of parasitic diseases.