Parasitic worms of the central nervous system: an Australian perspective

Abstract

The diagnosis and management of parasitic diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) is difficult, even for infectious diseases physicians and neurologists. Furthermore, few overviews of the spectrum of causative helminths and clinical syndromes have been published. In the present study, we review the seven most common parasitic diseases of the CNS: (i) cysticercosis, (ii) neuroschistosomiasis, (iii) paragonimiasis, (iv) angiostrongyliasis, (v) hydatid disease, (vi) sparganosis and (vii) gnathostomiasis. Major syndromes of parasitic disease of the CNS and their differential causes are discussed, including: (i) cystic lesions, (ii) enhancing granulomas (with and without creeping subcutaneous eruptions), (iii) eosinophilic meningoencephalitis and (iv) spinal cord disease. Specific risk factors that predispose to these infections are also discussed and particular attention is drawn to the situation in Australia.

Neuroschistosomiasis due to Schistosoma mansoni: a review of pathogenesis, clinical syndromes and diagnostic approaches

“…Vascular changes have included focal or diffuse vasculitis and rarely fibrinoid necrosis 54 . The second most common site of NS is the cerebellum 22,27,50 , although involvement of other confined cerebral areas, such as occipital and parietal lobes have been described 18,30,46 . S. mansoni ova were observed in the meninges, cerebral cortex, cerebellum, choroid plexus, basal ganglia and white matter eliciting a granulomatous response.…”

“…Although the majority of cerebral egg deposition is asymptomatic 22 , clinical manifestations of cerebral NS include seizures associated with an increase in intra-cranial pressure and focal CNS signs, depending on the site of the cerebral lesion, caused by the masses produced by the granulomas 27 . Headache, papilledema, visual abnormalities, speech disturbances, nystagmus and ataxia are common manifestations 16 .…”

Epilepsy Secondary to Parasitic Zoonoses of the Brain

“…The infection has a cosmopolitan distribution. Humans get infected with dog feces and CNS infection is usually associated with signs of increased intracranial pressure ( Hughes & Biggs, 2002, 2002a) and epileptic seizures. There is no established antiparasitic treatment.…”

Parkinsonism as a neuropsychiatric presentation in CNS gnathosomiasis: its prevalence

“…Based on the study on 126 Thai cases with CNS gantosomiasis 3 , it can be seen that there is 1 case presenting with parkinsonism giving the prevalence rate equal to 0.79%. Indeed, gnathostomiasis is a nematode tissue infection 4 . The neurological involvement of this disease can be seen and can induce some uncommon neurological manifestations 4 .…”

“…Indeed, gnathostomiasis is a nematode tissue infection 4 . The neurological involvement of this disease can be seen and can induce some uncommon neurological manifestations 4 . Based on the present data, it can be seen that there should be many cases of parkinsonism that has the underlying gnathostomiasis.…”