Microbiology 25 - Global Health Priorities and Brain Worms Flashcards
What would be shown on MRI in taenia solum brain infestation?
A few scattered calcifications higher up in the brain
What is the most common cause of adult-onset epilepsy in the world?
Taenia solum cysticosis
Recall the 2 different syndromes that can be caused by taenia solum infection
Taeniasis (GUT tapeworm)
Cysticerosis (CNS infection with larvae)
How is taeniasis transmitted?
Pork tapeworm infection - as pigs are coprophagic
What is the pathophysiology of cysticerosis?
The infection itself doesn’t cause pathology, it’s the immune response to the dying taenia
How should cysticerosis be treated?
Cestocidal drugs alongside a course of high dose steroids (v important)