Microbiology 25 - Global Health Priorities and Brain Worms

Question 1

What would be shown on MRI in taenia solum brain infestation?

Answer 1

A few scattered calcifications higher up in the brain

Question 2

What is the most common cause of adult-onset epilepsy in the world?

Answer 2

Taenia solum cysticosis

Question 3

Recall the 2 different syndromes that can be caused by taenia solum infection

Answer 3

Taeniasis (GUT tapeworm)
Cysticerosis (CNS infection with larvae)

Question 4

How is taeniasis transmitted?

Answer 4

Pork tapeworm infection - as pigs are coprophagic

Question 5

What is the pathophysiology of cysticerosis?

Answer 5

The infection itself doesn’t cause pathology, it’s the immune response to the dying taenia

Question 6

How should cysticerosis be treated?

Answer 6

Cestocidal drugs (albendazole or praziquantel)

Given with steroids (otherwise, may be fatal - steroids dampen the immune response)

Advice not to drive

If hydrocephalus - Ventriculo-peritoneal shunt

Question 8

How are intestinal tapeworms different from brain worms?

Answer 8

(1) Cysts that are eaten from ingesting undercooked pork will develop into intestinal tapeworms
(2) BRAIN WORMS, on the other hand, are caused by the ingestion of tapeworm eggs:

In food contaminated with faeces

Affects vegetarians and meat-eaters alike

All tissues affected (however, brain is the most important because it causes obvious manifestations)