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Recent Advances in the Diagnosis of Neurocysticercosis

  • Neglected Tropical Diseases (A Sanchez, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of review

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) results from the localization in the central nervous system (CNS) of larval stages of the cestode parasite Taenia solium. NCC is the most common helminthic parasitic disease of the nervous system and the main cause of acquired epilepsy. This literature review presents an update in NCC diagnostic techniques, including neuroimaging, immunological assays, molecular assays, and clinical manifestations.

Recent findings

NCC can cause a wide array of neurological manifestations, most of them being non-pathognomonic. Diagnosis of this infection represents a challenge due to its nonspecific symptoms and limited resources in endemic regions. Diagnoses by neuroimaging and immunological assessment are the current criteria used to diagnose NCC.

Summary

Current diagnostic techniques continue to be non-affordable and non-available in most endemic regions. The development of novel and affordable standardized diagnostic techniques is of urgent need in order to determine the actual global burden caused by NCC.

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References and Recommended Reading

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, Canada

    Nicholas A. Gadea B.Sc.

  2. Microbiology Research Institute, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras

    Gabriela Matamoros M.Sc.

  3. School of Microbiology, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras

    Maria Mercedes Rueda M.Sc.

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  1. Nicholas A. Gadea B.Sc.
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  2. Gabriela Matamoros M.Sc.
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  3. Maria Mercedes Rueda M.Sc.
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Correspondence to Nicholas A. Gadea B.Sc..

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Nicholas A. Gadea declares that he has no conflict of interest. Maria Mercedes Rueda declares that she has no conflict of interest. Gabriela Matamoros declares that she has no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Neglected Tropical Diseases

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Gadea, N.A., Matamoros, G. & Rueda, M.M. Recent Advances in the Diagnosis of Neurocysticercosis. Curr Treat Options Infect Dis 10, 410–420 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40506-018-0173-9

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