Neurocysticercosis and epileptogenesis: Dr. Hector Garcia

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Neurocysticercosis - an infection of the brain by a pork tapeworm (Taenia solium) – is one of the most common causes of seizures worldwide. People with neurocysticercosis have incidentally ingested tapeworm eggs, which are found in the feces of people who have tapeworms in their digestive systems (a condition called taeniasis). The eggs can migrate to any organ and form larval cysts; the brain is one of the most common sites.

Pigs are intermediate hosts, so neurocysticercosis occurs in regions where humans live in close contact with pigs and eat undercooked pork. Poor sanitation that leads to environmental fecal contamination is a major factor in transmission. 

Selected publications from the Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru:
Quality of life in patients with symptomatic epilepsy due to neurocysticercosis (2022)

New animal models of neurocysticercosis can help understand epileptogenesis in neuroinfection (2022)

Geographically targeted interventions versus mass drug administration to control Taenia solium cysticercosis in Peru (2021)

Current diagnostic criteria for neurocysticercosis (2021)

Neurocysticercosis: A frequent cause of seizures, epilepsy, and other neurological morbidity in most of the world (2021)

Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.

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