Dataset Information

High Prevalence of Asymptomatic Neurocysticercosis in an Endemic Rural Community in Peru.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Neurocysticercosis is a common helminthic infection of the central nervous system and an important cause of adult-onset epilepsy in endemic countries. However, few studies have examined associations between neurologic symptoms, serology and radiographic findings on a community-level.

Methodology

We conducted a population-based study of resident's ?2 years old in a highly endemic village in Peru (pop. 454). We applied a 14 -question neurologic screening tool and evaluated serum for antibodies against Taenia solium cysticercosis using enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (LLGP-EITB). We invited all residents ?18 years old to have non-contrast computerized tomography (CT) of the head.

Principal findings

Of the 385 residents who provided serum samples, 142 (36.9%) were seropositive. Of the 256 residents who underwent CT scan, 48 (18.8%) had brain calcifications consistent with NCC; 8/48 (17.0%) reported a history of headache and/or seizures. Exposure to T. solium is very common in this endemic community where 1 out of 5 residents had brain calcifications. However, the vast majority of people with calcifications were asymptomatic.

Conclusion

This study reports a high prevalence of NCC infection in an endemic community in Peru and confirms that a large proportion of apparently asymptomatic residents have brain calcifications that could provoke seizures in the future.

SUBMITTER: Moyano LM

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5167259 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

High Prevalence of Asymptomatic Neurocysticercosis in an Endemic Rural Community in Peru.

Moyano Luz M LM O'Neal Seth E SE Ayvar Viterbo V Gonzalvez Guillermo G Gamboa Ricardo R Vilchez Percy P Rodriguez Silvia S Reistetter Joe J Tsang Victor C W VC Gilman Robert H RH Gonzalez Armando E AE Garcia Hector H HH

PLoS neglected tropical diseases 20161219 12

<h4>Background</h4>Neurocysticercosis is a common helminthic infection of the central nervous system and an important cause of adult-onset epilepsy in endemic countries. However, few studies have examined associations between neurologic symptoms, serology and radiographic findings on a community-level.<h4>Methodology</h4>We conducted a population-based study of resident's ≥2 years old in a highly endemic village in Peru (pop. 454). We applied a 14 -question neurologic screening tool and evaluate ...[more]

PMID: 27992429

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Dataset Information

High Prevalence of Asymptomatic Neurocysticercosis in an Endemic Rural Community in Peru.

Background

Methodology

Principal findings

Conclusion

Publications

High Prevalence of Asymptomatic Neurocysticercosis in an Endemic Rural Community in Peru.

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