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Taenia multiceps: a rare human cestode infection in Israel

Joseph El-On1, Ilan Shelef, Emanuela Cagnano

  • 1The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and Laboratory of Parasitology, Sokora University Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel. jelon@bgu.ac.il

Veterinaria Italiana
|April 23, 2010
PubMed

Insights

A rare human brain infection caused by the tapeworm Taenia multiceps occurred in a child. Surgical removal and medication led to a full recovery, highlighting effective treatment for this unusual parasitic cyst.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroparasitology
  • Human and Animal Health

Background:

  • Taenia multiceps metacestode infection (coenurosis) is rare in humans, with few reported cases globally.
  • This parasitic infection is more prevalent in sheep, particularly in Mediterranean regions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report an unusual case of a large intra-parenchymal cyst caused by Taenia multiceps in a pediatric patient.
  • To document the diagnostic and therapeutic approach for human cerebral coenurosis.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a four-year-old girl with a huge intra-parenchymal cyst.
  • Diagnostic evaluation including assessment for cross-reactivity with Echinococcus granulosus antigens.
  • Surgical cyst removal followed by combined albendazole and praziquantel chemotherapy.

Main Results:

  • A large intra-parenchymal cyst caused by Taenia multiceps was identified.
  • No cross-reactivity was observed between Taenia multiceps and Echinococcus granulosus antigens.
  • Complete recovery was achieved post-surgery and chemotherapy.

Conclusions:

  • Cerebral coenurosis due to Taenia multiceps, though rare, can present as a large intra-parenchymal cyst in children.
  • Successful management involves surgical excision and antiparasitic drug therapy.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering coenurosis in the differential diagnosis of brain cystic lesions.

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