The most prominent parasitic disease of the human central nervous system is neurocysticercosis, a neurologic parasite disease brought on by the engorged larva of the tapeworm Taenia solium. It is the most frequent cause of acquired epilepsy in endemic areas and a problem for the bulk of the developing world’s public health systems. However, because of globalisation, neurocysticercosis cases are now also increasing in wealthy nations. With two intermediate hosts (i.e., pigs and humans) and one final host, neurocysticercosis has a complicated disease path, through faecal-oral contamination, one contracts it. Neurocysticercosis is the most significant CNS parasite that causes severe illness. Based on the location of the disease, it has historically been classified into active and inactive types. Radiologists must be aware of the differential diagnosis because of the wide variety of its imaging appearances. Imaging results are influenced by the number and distribution of parasites as well as any related consequences such as vascular involvement, an inflammatory response, and, in the case of ventricular forms, the degree of blockage. As a result, the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of neurocysticercosis vary widely depending on the type of infection.
Part of the book: Taeniasis and Cycticercosis/Neurocysticercosis
Nowadays, intestinal parasite infections (IPIs) continue to be a serious public health issue worldwide. Helminth and protozoa are common examples of infections caused by poverty and inadequate sanitation, which act as two variables linked to IPIs. In response to the growing impact of IPIs, more advanced detection techniques have been researched and developed. To identify these parasites, the diagnostic method’s efficacy is paramount. In view of the above, microscopy as a traditional method is now assisted by serology and molecular biological tools. The modern technological tools will help to assess the efficacy of eliminating these parasitic illnesses and future control programs.
Part of the book: Intestinal Parasites - New Developments in Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and Future Directions [Working title]