Title
High Prevalence of Asymptomatic Neurocysticercosis in an Endemic Rural Community in Peru
Date Issued
19 December 2016
Access level
open access
Resource Type
journal article
Author(s)
O’Neal S.E.
Gonzalvez G.
Vilchez P.
Reistetter J.
Tsang V.C.W.
Publisher(s)
Public Library of Science
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.
Volume
10
Issue
12
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Parasitología
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-85008600415
PubMed ID
Source
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases
ISSN of the container
19352727
Sponsor(s)
Fogarty International Center D43TW001140
Medical Research Council MR/K007467/1
Sources of information:
Directorio de Producción Científica
Scopus