Cysticercus Larva Research Articles

Isolated lingual cysticerscosis: a rare case report

<p class="abstract">Taenia solium completes its life cycle in two hosts. Generally, cysticercosis results from accidental ingestion of the eggs of taenia solium through faeco‐oral contamination or autoinfection cysticercosis is commonly found in muscular and subcutaneous tissues. Central nervous system and eye are commonly affected. Despite abundant intermuscular tissue in oral cavity, it is uncommon site for cysticercosis because of high muscular activity and metabolic rate of oral tissues. We present a case of a 21-year-old male, presented with painless solitary swelling in the ventral aspect of tip of tongue at the centre. Excision of the swelling was done followed by histopathological examination. The histopathological examination revealed cysticercosis cellulosae in tongue musculature. Histopathological picture showed cysticercus larva surrounded by a double layered membrane. The patient was given albendazole 200 mg TDS for 30 days. One-year follow-up showed no signs of recurrence. Lingual cysticercosis usually presents as diagnostic dilemma. Complete excision along with histopathological examination is diagnostic. Infestation in this region is relatively mild as compared to ocular or neurocysticercosis. However, the patients should be examined thoroughly and followed up for possible concurrent ophthalmologic and neurologic involvements as well. </p>

Hepatic transcriptome study of Taenia asiatica infection in suckling pigs

Taenia asiatica is a crucial Taenia that is prevalent in East and Southeast Asia. Domestic pigs and wild boars are essential intermediate hosts for Taenia. Cysticercus larvae are mainly parasitic in the liver of domestic pigs. The Taenia asiatica was collected from Liangmu Township, Duyun City, Guizhou Province. Twelve Yorkshire Suckling pigs of 20 days of age were randomly divided into an experimental and control group of 6 pigs each. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technology was used to detect the expression differences of the mRNA transcriptomes in the liver of the experimental and control group at different infection times. Differential genes were analyzed by bioinformatics and verified by Real Time-PCR(RT-PCR). On the 15th and 75th days after infection, 152 and 558 differentially expressed genes were detected in the liver of the experimental group, respectively, accounting for 0.85% and 3.12% of all identified transcribed RNA genes, respectively. Through GO and KEGG related bioinformatics analysis, it was found that these differentially expressed genes are involved in the immune response, material metabolism, fibrosis, and tissue proliferation and repair of suckling pig liver, and related to MHC antigen processing and presentation, cytochrome P450, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway and so on. Cysticercus asiatica parasites cause significant differential gene expression in the liver of suckling pigs. Specific differentially expressed genes are involved in biological processes such as liver metabolism, immune response, and tissue repair or regeneration in suckling pigs. The immune evasion is related to the immuno-suppressive response of the intermediate host.

Taenia solium Prevalence in Nepal: A Retrospective Review

Taenia solium is a zoonotic cestode parasite which causes cysticercosis in human and porcine cysticercosis in pigs. The infective stage of T. solium develops in pig while that of T. saginata develop in cattle and buffalo. The adult stages of T. solium are obligatory intestinal parasites for man. In humans the cysticercus larvae commonly encyst in the brain, causing neurocysticercosis. The disease was first described in pig by Aristophanes and Aristotle in 3rd century B.C. In Nepal, Taenia cysts were observed for first time in pork meat slaughtered in Kangeswari, Kathmandu more than 30 years ago. T. solium is the cause of 30% of epilepsy cases in many endemic areas where people and roaming pigs live in close proximity. More than 50 million of the world’s populations are infected worldwide and 50000 die from Neurocysticercosis yearly. In Nepal, the prevalence ranges from 0.002-0.1% in general population. Accurate diagnosis required detailed post mortem examination involving slicing of affected tissue to determine the viability of cysts. Cysticerci occur most commonly in striated muscles tissues and brain of pigs. The application of vaccination with TSOL18 recombinant vaccine along with oral medication of oxfendazole can reduces the transmission by pigs whereas use of niclosamide is found effective in humans. Hence the use of medication eventually reduces the incidence of neurocysticercosis in human and procine cysticercosis in pigs.

ISOLATED ORBITAL CYSTICERCOSIS… CAUSE OF PTOSIS IN CABBAGE EATERS

PURPOSE: To report case of isolated orbital cysticercosis METHODS: Patients with drooping of eyelid were referred to our hospital. Patients were evaluated and investigated to find the cause of ptosis. RESULTS: Two patients with acute unilateral ptosis were referred to our hospital. Patients were investigated, blood test, stool tests and MRI were done to rule out the causes. In both the patients ptosis was due to involvement of LPS muscle by cysticercus larva. All the patients gave history of excessive consumption of cabbage and pork. The mainstay of treatment included oral albendazole (15 mg/kg/day) and oral prednisolone (1mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, oral albendazole was stopped and oral prednisolone was slowly tapered over the next one month. The effect of above treatment was seen after few days with regression of swelling and improvement of signs and symptoms. CONCLUSION: Orbital cysticercus stands as one of the major causes of ptosis in the lower socioeconomic status people who are consuming mainly unhygienic leafy vegetables such as cabbage, burgers and undercooked pork. Therefore, these patients should be vigorously evaluated on scans (MRI and CT) so that early diagnosis can be made and treatment can be given to prevent the permanent visual loss or dissemination to brain.

History ofTaenia saginataTapeworms in Northern Russia

Taenia saginata is the most common species of tapeworm infecting humans. Infection is acquired by eating cysticercus larvae in undercooked beef. A closely related species, T. asiatica, is found in eastern and southeastern Asia. The larvae of T. asiatica develop in viscera of pigs. In northern Russia, there is a third member of this morphologically indistinguishable group. Cysticerci of so-called northern T. saginata are found in cerebral meninges of reindeer, and the unique life cycle is dependent on a native custom of eating raw reindeer brain. We report the winding history of this mysterious tapeworm from the first reports to the present time. In addition, we confirm the position of this parasite as a strain of T. saginata by analyzing a mitochondrial DNA sequence of an archival specimen. The origin of this strain might date back to reindeer domestication and contacts between cattle-herding and reindeer-herding peoples in Asia.

Importance of Ophtalmological Examination In The Face of Suspicion of Neurocysticercosis

Cysticercosis is a parasitosis due to the development of cysticercus larva in various tissues of organism. This infection constitutes a chief problem of public health in developing countries like Madagascar.

The study of etiological profile in new onset seizures in Indian scenario

Background: A seizure (Latin word which means “to take possession of”) is a paroxysmal event due to abnormal excessive or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain. Seizure is a medical emergency and about 1 in 10 persons will experience a seizure in their lifetime. Etiological contribution to seizures in developing countries is different from developed countries. Epilepsies related to malaria, neuroinfections, tuberculosis, HIV, meningitis, trauma and perinatal difficulties more prevalent in India and other developing countries. Neurocysticercosis is the most common cause of seizures/epilepsy in the developing countries and designated as a “biological marker” of the social and economic development of a community. In India, Single Small Enhancing CT Lesions (SSECTL) being the most common radiological finding and dying cysticercus larva in histopathological studies. Aim: To study the etiological profile in new onset seizures. Methods: This was an observational and prospective study. The present study enrolled 100 patients above 15 years of age with new onset seizures. All the patients and their relatives were interviewed regarding history and thorough clinical examination was done. Routine blood investigations, blood urea, serum creatinine, blood sugar, liver function tests, serum electrolyte were done. Special investigations like electroencephalography (EEG), CT scan brain, MRI, and lumbar puncture were done in selected cases. Results: Out of 100 patients included in the study, neuroinfection is leading cause of seizure in 36%, Cerebrovascular accidents (25%) and metabolic in (12%). Majority of seizures in neuroinfections were due to neurocysticercosis in 15 patients (42%) followed by meningoencephalitis in 14 patients (38%). Among Cerebrovascular accidents, stroke accounted for 84% (21) (Infarct-12, Haemorrhage-9), followed by cerebral venous thrombosis 12% (3). Out of 12 patients with metabolic seizures, hypoglycaemia and hyponatremia constituted 33% each. Conclusions: Etiological spectrum of seizures includes neuroinfection, CVA, tumour, metabolic, poisoning and alcohol withdrawal. Neuroinfection accounted for significant number of seizures in all the age groups. Neurocysticercosis is the most common etiology among neuroinfections. Cerebrovascular accidents common in 4 th & 5 th decades. Limitation: Patients <15 years with new onset seizures were not included in the study.

Understanding epileptogenesis in calcified neurocysticercosis with perfusion MRI

Calcified cysticercus larva with perilesional abnormality is thought to be responsible for seizures in patients with neurocysticercosis (NCC). However, it is not well understood why some calcified cysts are associated with seizures even without perilesional abnormality. The study group consists of 30 subjects from an ongoing survey for disease burden estimation of a swine farming community who had a single calcified lesion without any perilesional abnormality with or without presentation of seizures. Each group consisted of 15 patients with calcified cysts and was labeled as asymptomatic and symptomatic. We performed dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI on all these subjects and determined serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels and MMP-9 gene polymorphisms. DCE-MRI-derived rate transfer constant (k(ep)) and serum MMP-9 levels showed significant differences between symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects. We observed an increase in the MMP-9 levels, k(ep), and the volume transfer coefficient (k(trans)) in these lesions. We also observed a significant increase in MMP-9 (R279Q) gene polymorphism in symptomatic subjects compared with asymptomatic and control subjects. Perilesional inflammation, which varies from symptomatic to asymptomatic subjects, can be quantified using DCE-MRI in calcified cysticercosis and may help distinguish these 2 groups with similar imaging findings. The observed increase in k(ep) with serum MMP-9 levels suggests that the former may serve as a biomarker of MMP-9 levels in these subjects. The significant MMP-9 (R279Q) gene polymorphism in symptomatic subjects might explain the differences in the observed DCE-MRI indices between symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects.

Intraocular Live Cysticercus Larva

Ocular cysticercosis is one of the most common parasitic infections of the eye in humans. Although the adult pork tapeworm, Taenia solium, resides in the lumen of the intestine, the only structural element of an adult worm is usually found within a tissue cyst in the eye, its adenexa, or other places in the body with a single invaginated scolex. An unusual case is described in which a 13- to 14-mm live cysticercus larva was found, removed from the eye, and confirmed by histopathologic examination.

Development of the peptidergic nervous system during ontogeny of the cysticercus larva of the tapeworm Taenia crassiceps

Development of the peptidergic nervous system during ontogeny of the cysticercus larva of the tapeworm Taenia crassiceps

Albendazole therapy for subarachnoid and ventricular cysticercosis

Medical or surgical therapy for subarachnoid or ventricular cysticercosis is a controversial issue. The authors report a patient with cysticercus larvae in both ventricular and subarachnoid locations, who was successfully treated with albendazole. Thus, medical therapy has a role in the treatment of these forms of neurocysticercosis.

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.

Long-term results of praziquantel therapy in neurocysticercosis.

The long-term results of praziquantel therapy in 141 patients with neurocysticercosis are presented. Seventy-five patients (53%) were considered to be cured because the cysts or nodules disappeared or became calcified following praziquantel treatment and the patients were asymptomatic at the end of a 5-year follow-up period. An additional 35 patients (24.8%) improved clinically and radiographically. The intraventricular Cysticercus cysts of five patients in this group were not affected by praziquantel and had to be surgically removed. The remaining 31 patients (21.9%) were unchanged or became worse probably because, prior to therapy, Cysticercus larvae had caused tissue damage. The fact that praziquantel did not affect intraventricular cysts suggests a low concentration of the drug in the cerebrospinal fluid. Surgery continues to be an important tool in the treatment of cysticercosis to remove parasites that do not respond to praziquantel therapy as well as for the relief of intracranial hypertension.

Pathogenesis of Cysticercosis-Reply

Dr Flake is certainly correct that cysticercosis occurs when ova of T solium are ingested from Contaminated sources, or by internal autoinfection. 1 Ingestion of raw or undercooked pork that contains Cysticercus larvae is the source of infection for development of the mature worm. However, in endemic areas or where inadequately cooked pork is ingested, chances for acquiring cysticercosis are probably much higher because of a higher prevalence of the mature worm in the population. This was the implication of our statement.

On the ultrastructure of the polycercus larva of Paricterotaenia paradoxa (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea).

Mature polycercus larvae of Paricterotaenia paradoxa were examined by light and electron microscopy. Although the larvae are of the cysticercoid type, they showed great similarity to the hydatid larvae of Echinococcus granulosus with respect to asexual multiplication and the presence of a PAS-positive layer of tissue that surrounds the larva. The microtriches were found to be of three different forms depending on their location. Two types of secretory products are described, one apparently associated with hook formation and the other apparently neurosecretory, associated with the extensive musculature. The suckers were found to be discrete organs covered by the scolex tegument and enclosed by a membrane contiguous with the basal lamina. The present findings of this unusual type of cestode larva are compared to the more normal cysticercoid and cysticercus larvae described by other workers.

Cysticercosis of Breast A Rare Presentation

Human cysticercosis is the infection caused by the larvae of pork tapeworm Taenia solium.Although it can affect any organ or tissue of the body, the most common sites are themuscles and subcutaneous tissue. In this report, we present the case of a 35 yrs old womanwho came with a history of a painless lump in the left breast. Clinically diagnosed as a caseof Fibroadenoma of the Lt. Breast' an excision biopsy was carried out. A histopathologicalstudy however revealed the presence of the typical cysticercus larva and a definitive diagnosisof 'Cysticercosis of Lt. Breast' was made. Diagnosis of cysticercosis in atypical sitesmay be difficult clinically and to a great extent depends on histologic demonstration of theparasite. Also, cysticercosis of the breast though rare, should be considered as a differentialdiagnosis for a mass in the breast.Key Words : Cysticercosis, Breast.

Studies on the aerobic and anaerobic metabolism of larval and adult Taenia taeniaeformis

1. 1. The cysticercus larva of Taenia taeniaeformis raised in rats and mice differed in chemical composition and the rat larvae had a higher aerobic metabolic rate (rate of oxygen consumption, excretion of end products of aerobic fermentations). 2. 2. Adult tapeworms contained more protein, lipid, and tissue ash than the larvae, but less calcareous corpuscles. In the former the values for glycogen and total carbohydrates coincided closely, while in the cysticercus larva non-glycogen carbohydrates occurred in rather large amounts besides glycogen. 3. 3. Glucose in the medium raised the oxygen consumption of the larval Cysticercus only slightly in saline solutions, but the respiration of worms kept in serum was markedly higher than of those kept in salines. The rates of both aerobic and anaerobic gaseous exchanges were considerably higher in adult tapeworms than in their larvae. 4. 4. Aerobic and anaerobic incubation in sugar-free Tyrode's solution led in both adult and larval worms to rather large losses of dry substance, carbohydrate, and protein, but no lipids were utilized. In most series, some calcareous corpuscle material was used up. Large amounts of tissue ash disappeared from the bodies of only the adult worms under anaerobic conditions. 5. 5. The worms, both adult and larval, excreted lactic, pyruvic, acetic, and succinic acids, as well as ethanol and glycerol. Anaerobiosis decreased the production of pyruvic acid, but increased especially the production of succinic acid. Much greater amounts of succinate were produced by the adult worms than the larvae. This difference was more pronounced under aerobic than under anaerobic conditions. In serum the cysticercus larva eliminated considerably more ethanol than in sugar-free Tyrode's solution. The excretion of fumaric and malic acids was demonstrated only qualitatively; apparently the adult worms produce less malic acid than the larvae. 6. 6. Both larvae and adults excreted carbohydrates when incubated in sugar-free Tyrode's solution. The main sugar eliminated was identified as glucose, but at least two other unidentified sugars were excreted in smaller amounts. Anaerobically less carbohydrate was eliminated than in the presence of oxygen. In serum, on the other hand, the cysticercus larva assimilated sugar. 7. 7. Tentative carbon balances showed that not all the carbon of the metabolized carbohydrate was accounted for by the metabolites studied quantitatively; carbon dioxide of metabolic origin may well be the most important source of the missing carbon, but could not be studied quantitatively because of the overwhelmingly large carbon dioxide reserve represented by the calcareous corpuscles. 8. 8. It is pointed out that the differences between larval and adult Taenia taeniaeformis are essentially quantitative rather than qualitative.

On the Transplantability of the Larva of Tenia Crassicollis and the Probable Rôle of the Liver in Cysticercus Disease of Rats

In the experimental production of sarcoma of the rat liver through the agency of Cysticercus fasciolaris , the larva of the cat tapeworm, Tenia crassicollis , rats are infested by feeding them with feces from cats accidentally or experimentally infested with the tapeworm (1). The shells of the Tenia eggs which are present in the cat feces are dissolved by the digestive juices of the rat and the freed larvae pass through the walls of the intestinal blood vessels into the portal circulation and are carried to the liver, where they lodge in the capillaries. Many of them become encysted (2) and continue to develop apparently as long as the host lives. The question naturally arises whether the Cysticercus larvae settle in the liver because of some specific property possessed by that organ upon which larval growth and differentiation depends, or merely beacuse they are barred from passing through by the narrowness of the liver sinusoids. However that may be, in the thousands of infested rats which have died and been autopsied since the beginning of the experiments, the parasites had established themselves in the liver and in every animal but one they were confined to that organ. In the exceptional case there were two ordinary cysts in the liver, but there was also a cyst containing a healthy Cysticercus larva 40 cm. long imbedded in the ileocolic mesentery. To account for the presence of the parasite in this unusual situation, three alternative hypotheses are suggested: