Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “CYSTICERCOSIS”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 343 records · Page 19Linked to original sources

Human cysticercosis: parasitology, pathology, clinical manifestations and available treatment.

Human cysticercosis is a global health problem and neurocysticercosis a serious clinical syndrome. The diagnosis of neurocysticercosis can now be made with a high degree of accuracy by scrutiny of clinical signs and symptoms in combination with X-ray, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, serological tests and laboratory examinations. Differential clinical diagnosis with tumor, and vascular and inflammatory conditions, may however, prove difficult in nonendemic areas. The management of cysticercosis has been radically changed by the advent of effective chemotherapy. Both the heterocyclic pyrazinoisoquinoline compound, praziquantel and the benzimidazole carbamate, albendazole, have now been extensively tested and successfully used for treatments of neurocysticercosis, usually in combination with corticosteroids. The definition of appropriate criteria and guidelines for the use of chemotherapy, may however, require further research. Surgical interventions continue to play an important role in certain clinical presentations. Recent advances in immunological research hold realistic promise for the development of a vaccine against Taenia solium.

Animals↗

Immunodominant synthetic peptides of Taenia crassiceps in murine and human cysticercosis.

The screening of a cDNA library of Taenia crassiceps revealed a clone designated KETc7 that induced high levels of protection against murine cysticercosis in previous experiments. The molecular structure of the deduced 100-amino acid sequence of the corresponding proline-rich polypeptide was studied to detect potentially immunologically active epitopes. Several candidate epitopes were identified, three of which were synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis and used as antigens in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of specific antibodies in a selected panel of sera from mice infected with Taenia crassiceps and pigs infected with Taenia solium, as well as in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid of human patients with neurocysticercosis. The three peptides detected antibodies in serum from all infected mice. Seven of nine sera from patients with neurocysticercosis reacted strongly with peptide GK-3, and four of them with peptides GK-1 and GK-2. A lower reactivity was observed in sera from experimentally infected pigs. Peptide GK-3 reacted also with 45 out of 77 cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) from patients with confirmed neurocysticercosis and with 14 out of 68 CSF from control patients with other neurological disorders. This is the first report on synthetic peptides that are prominent in the humoral response of murine, porcine and human cysticercosis. Their identification implies finer molecular tools in the exploration of this form of host-parasite relationship, as well as hints to their application in immunodiagnosis and in vaccine design.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A Taenia crassiceps cDNA sequence encoding a putative immunodiagnostic antigen for bovine cysticercosis.

A cDNA expression library was constructed in lambda gt11 using poly A mRNA from the metacestode stage of Taenia crassiceps. The library was screened with rabbit antiserum to a previously defined protein fraction from Taenia hydatigena immunodiagnostic for bovine cysticercosis and with sera from cattle with experimentally induced cysticercosis. One clone (lambda TcA2) containing a 279-bp cDNA insert, reacted strongly with both antisera. A second clone (lambda TcA5.5) revealed the full-length cDNA sequence to be 361 bp. Data from Southern blots and enzymatically amplified genomic DNA segments were consistent with multiple copies or a gene family within the genome. The lambda TcA2 cDNA insert was subcloned into the plasmid pPR987 which generated a 47-kDa maltose-binding fusion protein (TcA2-MBP). Affinity-purified TcA2-MBP antigen reacted positively by ELISA with sera from cattle with experimentally induced T. saginata infections but not with sera from cattle with Fasciola hepatica or common gastrointestinal parasite infections. Rabbit polyclonal, monospecific antisera to TcA2-MBP recognized a 10-kDa protein in the cyst fluid, body wall and excretory/secretory products of the metacestode stage of T. crassiceps and immonolocalized this protein to organelles within the matrix of the cyst wall.

Animals↗

Intramedullary spinal cysticercosis. Case report and review of literature.

Intramedullary spinal cysticercosis is extremely uncommon; only 29 cases have been reported previously. A case of solitary intramedullary spinal cysticercosis is described. Factors accounting for the rarity of intramedullary cysticerci are reviewed and the probability of reaching a preoperative diagnosis is discussed. This is the fifth such case reported from India.

Adult↗

Immunodiagnosis of swine cysticercosis by indirect ELISA employing a heterologous antigen from Taenia crassiceps metacestode.

C. Larralde et al. (1990, Aoff. Pathol. Lab. Med., 114:926-928) demonstrated that heterologous antigen from the laboratory-adapted murine Taenia crassiceps metacestode may substitute those from Taenia solium in the immunodiagnosis of human cysticercosis by the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (IE). This antigen is easily obtained at a laboratory level and solves the problem of T. solium cysticerci collection from naturally or experimentally infected swine. In this study an IE employing a heterologous antigen from the T. crassiceps metacestode was evaluated for the immunodiagnosis of swine cysticercosis. Sera from 300 swine free of T. solium cysticerci by post-mortem examination were employed to determine two IE cut-off values: 1) Mean ELISA values + 2 standard deviations (2 sigma cut-off) and 2) - Mean ELISA values + 3 standard deviations (3 sigma cut-off). The specificity of IE was 97% with the 2 sigma cut-off and 100% with the 3 sigma cut-off. When applied to ten sera from swine infected by cysticerci of T. solium by post-mortem examination, the sensitivity of IE was 100% independent of the cut off.

Animals↗

Disseminated cysticercosis involving orbit, brain and subcutaneous tissue.

Human cysticercosis is caused by dissemination of embryos of Taenia solium from the intestine via the hepatoportal system to the tissues and organs of the body. We report, probably the first case, where orbital cysticercosis was associated with multiple Cysticercus cellulosae cysts in the brain and subcutaneous tissue. Thorough screening for all the sites of involvement by the cyst is extremely useful for knowing the extent of dissemination, infection control, and for epidemiological purposes.

Albendazole↗

Characterization and cloning of T24, a Taenia solium antigen diagnostic for cysticercosis.

The third and final diagnostic antigen of the lentil lectin purified glycoproteins (LLGP) extracted from the larval stage of Taenia solium has been characterized, cloned, and expressed. T24 is an integral membrane protein that belongs to the tetraspanin superfamily. It migrates at a position corresponding to 24-kDa and as a homodimer at 42-kDa. Antibodies from cysticercosis patients recognize secondary structure epitopes that are dependent upon correctly formed disulfide bonds. A portion of T24, the large, extracellular loop domain, was expressed in an immunologically reactive form in insect cells. When tested in a Western blot assay with a large battery of serum samples, this protein, T24H, has a sensitivity of 94% (101/107), for detecting cases of cysticercosis with two or more viable cysts, and a specificity of 98% (284/290). The identification and expression of T24H sets the stage for the development of an ELISA suitable for testing single samples and for large-scale serosurveys that is not dependent upon the isolation and purification of antigens from parasite materials.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Vaccines against cysticercosis and hydatidosis: foundations in taeniid cestode immunology.

Recombinant oncosphere antigens have been used in the development of effective vaccines for the prevention of cysticercosis caused by Taenia ovis, Taenia saginata, Taenia solium and hydatid disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus. These vaccines were developed utilizing information gathered from numerous researchers over some 60 years which had established many of the principals concerning immunity to taeniid cestodes in their intermediate hosts. Australian scientists, or scientists with close Australian connections, made seminal early contributions to the understanding of cestode immunology that provided the foundations for more recent application of recombinant DNA methods and the development of practical vaccines. Here, some particular contributions to the field are highlighted from Drs. Michael Gemmell, Michael Rickard, David Heath and Graham Mitchell together with a précis of the recent progress in vaccine development, particularly for prevention of cysticercosis due to T. solium.

Animals↗

Veterinary public health activities at FAO: cysticercosis and echinococcosis.

In many developing and transition countries, parasitic zoonoses such as cysticercosis and echinococcosis cause serious human suffering and considerable losses in agricultural and human productivity, thus posing a significant hindrance to their development. Although, effective and reliable tools for the diagnosis, prevention and control of parasitic zoonoses are now available, their implementation has not always been successful in many countries. This is primarily due to the lack of awareness on the presence or impact of the causing parasites (Taenia saginata, Taenia solium and Echinococcus spp.). In addition, often the needed intersectorial cooperation, resource management and political commitment for their control are (also) absent. FAO's regular programme has established a global network of professionals directly involved in zoonotic and food-borne diseases. The network provides a basic framework for the spread of information related to the diagnosis, prevention and control of major zoonotic diseases including cysticercosis and echinococcosis.

Animals↗

High prevalence of Taenia saginata taeniasis and status of Taenia solium cysticercosis in Bali, Indonesia, 2002-2004.

An epidemiological survey of taeniasis/cysticercosis was carried out in one semi-urban and two urban villages in three districts of Bali, Indonesia in 2002 and 2004. In total, 398 local people from 247 families were diagnosed by anamnesis and clinical examinations, and 60 residents were suspected to be taeniasis carriers. Among 60 suspected carriers, 56 persons expelled a total of 61 taeniid adult worms after praziquantel treatment. From 398 residents, 252 stool samples were available for analysis of taeniid eggs, coproantigens or copro-DNA for identification of taeniid species, and 311 serum samples were available for detection of antibodies against Taenia solium cysticercosis. Taeniasis prevalences were highly variable among three villages (1.1-27.5%), and only one case of cysticercosis due to T. solium infection was detected. All expelled tapeworms were confirmed to be Taenia saginata by mtDNA analysis. There was no Taenia asiatica human case in Bali. Case control analysis of 106 families chosen at random from 179 families in 2004 and another 106 families from non-endemic areas revealed that risk factors of T. saginata taeniasis for families were: level of education (P<0.01); consumption of beef lawar (P<0.01); and the source of lawar (P<0.01).

Adolescent↗

Therapeutic capacity of the synthetic peptide-based vaccine against Taenia solium cysticercosis in pigs.

The S3Pvac synthetic vaccine composed of three peptides (GK1, KETc1 and KETc12) effectively protect against pig cysticercosis. Preliminary results point to an additional cysticidal capacity induced by S3Pvac or GK1 immunization. Herein, clear evidences of the cysticidal effect of S3Pvac but not of GK1 are presented. S3Pvac immunization of already experimentally infected pigs induced a reduction in the parasite load, in the vesicular cysticerci and in their viability. It also substantially increases the percent of histological damaged cysticerci more importantly in muscles than in brains, with a concomitant reduction in the antibody levels. Thus, S3Pvac represents a powerful means of controlling cysticercosis infection in pigs.

Animals↗

Taeniosis-cysticercosis in man and animals in the Sierra of Northern Ecuador.

Taenia solium is endemic in the Andean region of Ecuador. The recent rediscovery of Taenia saginata in humans urges to reconsider some assumptions in relation to the epidemiology of the taeniosis/cysticercosis complex in this country.Therefore, data were compiled on the infection of both tapeworms in man and animals in Pichincha and Imbabura provinces in the Andean region, north of Quito. On post mortem inspection 3 out of 806 (0.37%) carcasses had T. saginata metacestodes, however, 35 sera out of 869 (4.03%) showed circulating antigen in a monoclonal antibody-based sandwich ELISA (Ag-ELISA). Porcine cysticercosis was detected in 15 out of 2896 (0.52%) carcasses and 93 out of 1032 serum samples (9.01%) were positive in Ag-ELISA. In humans, 4.99% (215 out of 4306) cases of antigen positives were found, whereas coprological examination of 1935 stools resulted in 30 positive cases (1.55%). The limited number of adult tapeworms (29) that were collected does not allow firm conclusions on the proportion of each species, but in total 21 specimen were identified as T. saginata and 8 as T. solium. These data have been discussed in view of the epidemiology of human cysticercosis.

Animals↗

Measures for the prevention and control of Taenia solium taeniosis and cysticercosis.

Taeniosis and cysticercosis due to Taenia solium are public health problems in many developing countries. Many studies of this parasitic zoonosis have focused on clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, surveillance, epidemiology and risk factors analysis. More recently projects on community and mass intervention strategies had been conducted in several rural areas worldwide focused on pig vaccination, pig cysticercosis treatment, human mass treatment, infrastructure development, as well as health education campaigns. Their advantages, disadvantages and public health impact have been published. This document discusses the feasibility and limitations of these interventions in order to assist countries in selection the best strategy for the prevention and control of this disease; we emphasized the specific strategies that might be recommended in different demographical situations.

Animals↗

Cysticercosis of the brain shown by magnetic resonance imaging.

Fifteen patients in whom the diagnosis of cysticercosis of the brain was suggested by computed tomography (CT) were further studied with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Besides lesions in the substance of the hemispheres, cysts were found adjacent to and within the ventricles, the brainstem, cerebellum and subarachnoid space. Magnetic resonance imaging showed brain involvement out of proportion to what was shown by CT. The eccentrically placed mural nodule within a cyst, the pathognomonic lesion of cysticercosis, was seen in all cases with MRI. The various stages of development of the cysticercus larva were seen in one individual. An attempt is made to illustrate the various stages of development by means of MR images, and a possible pathological explanation is offered. The authors believe that MRI provides diagnostic information in this disease and dispenses with the need for enhanced CT examination.

Adolescent↗

Investigation of risk factors for porcine Taenia solium cysticercosis: a multiple regression analysis of a cross-sectional study in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.

A cross-sectional survey for seropositivity to cysticercosis of pigs in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, was carried out in 1996 together with a standardized questionnaire on predetermined individual pig and household risk factors for porcine infection. Serum samples from 697 pigs were analysed by immunoblot for antibodies to Taenia solium cysticercosis and questionnaires from 227 households in 18 villages were collected. All the data were analysed using multivariate analytical techniques taking household clustering into account. The overall porcine seroprevalence in the area was found to be 29%. The most important risk factors for seropositivity in pigs were presence versus absence of a toilet (adjusted odds ratio [adj. OR] 2.37, P = 0.005), crowded households (adj. OR 1.75, P = 0.034) and both corralling (adj. OR 2.14, P = 0.017) and letting pigs loose (adj. OR 2.32, P = 0.035) versus tying them up. There was evidence of clustering at household level and that possible risk factors at municipal or village level may also interact with higher risk management practices such as allowing pigs to run loose.

Animal Husbandry↗

Cysticercosis: imported and autochthonous infections in Kuwait.

Intracerebral and non-central nervous system (non-CNS) cysticercosis caused by the larval pork tapeworm Taenia solium was diagnosed in patients in an Islamic state. The mode of transmission and challenges in diagnosis are highlighted. Sixteen patients with neurocysticercosis and six with non-CNS lesions were diagnosed by imaging studies (computerized tomography [CT]/magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) and serology (ELISA and/or enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot assay [EITB]). Four of 55 family members, including servants, tested for antibodies were positive by the EITB and ELISA. Only one of these sera tested for antibodies to adult T. solium was positive: that of the cook, the probable source of the infection. We postulate a similar mode of transmission in the other Kuwaitis. Evaluation of several commercially available ELISA kits showed they were of poor specificity. Even in countries where pork consumption is proscribed by religious laws, physicians should include cysticercosis in their differential diagnosis in patients with neurological symptoms or non-CNS lesions, especially in non-endemic countries with a large expatriate population such as Kuwait. In children particularly, and in this region, suspected tuberculous lesions on CT must be investigated to rule out cysticerci by a more diligent use of the sensitive and specific EITB assay. Failure to understand the local epidemiology leads to empirical, inappropriate and prolonged therapy for chronic disease.

Adolescent↗

Vaccination against cysticercosis and hydatid disease.

Infections with the larval stages of taeniid cestode parasites cause substantial human morbidity as well as economic losses in domestic livestock species. Despite ongoing efforts around the world, few countries have been able substantially to reduce or eradicate these infections through the use of anthelmintics and lifestyle changes. Vaccines offer an additional potential tool to assist with the control of parasite transmission. Here, Marshall Lightowlers and colleagues review the substantial progress that has been made towards developing practical vaccines against hydatid disease in sheep and cysticercosis in sheep and cattle. Recombinant antigens have been used to induce more than 90% protection against challenge infections. Such success in animals encourages investigation of the potential use of vaccines in humans to prevent hydatid disease arising from infection with Echinococcus granulosus and cysticercosis from infection with Taenia solium.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Synthetic peptide vaccine against Taenia solium pig cysticercosis: successful vaccination in a controlled field trial in rural Mexico.

Taenia solium cysticercosis seriously affects human health when localised in the central nervous system (CNS) and causes great economic loss in pig husbandry in rural areas of endemic countries. Increasing the resistance to the parasite in the obligatory host pig may help in curbing transmission. Three synthetic peptides based on protein sequences of the murine parasite Taenia crassiceps, which had previously been shown to induce protection in mice against homologous challenge, were tested as a vaccine against T. solium cysticercosis in pigs. Vaccinated and unvaccinated piglets (240 in all) were distributed in pairs among the peasants' households of two rural villages in Mexico in which 14% of the native pigs were cysticercotic. Ten to twelve months later, the effect of vaccination was evaluated at necropsy. Vaccination decreased the total number of T. solium cysticerci (98.7%) and reduced the prevalence (52.6%). The natural challenge conditions used in this field trial strengthen the likelihood of successful transmission control to both pig and human through a large-scale pig vaccination program. We believe this is a major contribution in anticysticercosis vaccine development as these rather simple yet protective peptides are potentially more cost-effective to produce and less variable in results than antigens that are more complex.

Amino Acid Sequence↗