Parasitic disease in the pediatric intensive care unit - A review of severe manifestations of pediatric parasitic disease

Abstract

Parasitic diseases, previously thought to be the domain of developing nations only, are being increasingly recognized as a significant source of morbidity/mortality in developed and developing nations alike. While many parasites cause long-term low-level disease, some parasitic diseases can have severe manifestations necessitating intensive care unit admission. In this review, we focus on severe malaria (including cerebral malaria), neurocysticercosis, Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome, American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease), baylisascariasis and amoebic meningoencephalitis.