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[Acute encephalitis concurrent with primary infection by Schistosoma mansoni]
H Granier1, M Potard, P Diraison
1Service de médecine interne et maladies infectieuses et tropicales, Hôpital d'Instruction des Armées Clermont Tonnerre, 29240 Brest Naval, France. rvfrgranier@aol.com
Medecine Tropicale : Revue Du Corps De Sante Colonial
|August 2, 2003
Summary
A traveler developed acute encephalitis due to Schistosomiasis mansoni infection. Early diagnosis and treatment with praziquantel were successful, highlighting rare acute neuroschistosomiasis.
Area of Science:
- Tropical Medicine
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Schistosomiasis mansoni is a parasitic disease endemic in tropical regions.
- Neuroschistosomiasis, particularly in the acute phase, is rarely reported.
- Central nervous system involvement is typically associated with chronic infections.
Observation:
- A 24-year-old male presented with acute encephalitis and fever after returning from Mali.
- Clinical suspicion of Schistosomiasis mansoni (bilharziasis) was raised due to epidemiological factors and eosinophilia.
- Diagnosis was confirmed via serological testing.
Findings:
- The patient experienced acute primary infection with Schistosomiasis mansoni.
- Successful treatment was achieved using praziquantel and corticotherapy.
- This case represents a rare instance of acute neuroschistosomiasis during the primary infection phase.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for acute neurological complications during the primary phase of Schistosomiasis mansoni infection.
- Suggests immunoallergic mechanisms may play a role in acute neuroschistosomiasis.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering schistosomiasis in febrile encephalitis cases with relevant travel history.