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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
12:05
Mass Isolation and In Vitro Cultivation of Intramolluscan Stages of the Human Blood Fluke Schistosoma Mansoni
Published on: January 14, 2018
Neuroschistosomiasis
1Neurology Department, Hospital Vírgen de la Luz, Av. Hermandad Donantes de sangre s/n, 16002, Cuenca, Spain. fjcarod-artal@hotmail.com
Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy
|November 16, 2010
Summary
Neuroschistosomiasis, a neglected CNS infection by Schistosoma, causes severe neurological disability. Early diagnosis and treatment with praziquantel and corticoids are crucial for managing this parasitic disease.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Neuroschistosomiasis, CNS infection by Schistosoma spp., is under-recognized and can lead to severe disability.
- Neurological symptoms arise from immune responses to Schistosoma eggs in the CNS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the clinical manifestations, diagnostic findings, and treatment of neuroschistosomiasis.
- To highlight the importance of recognizing and managing this neglected tropical disease.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical presentations of cerebral and spinal neuroschistosomiasis.
- Analysis of neuroimaging findings, including MRI characteristics.
- Summary of current treatment strategies and management of complications.
Main Results:
- Cerebral neuroschistosomiasis presents with seizures, headache, altered sensorium, and focal deficits.
- Spinal neuroschistosomiasis commonly manifests as transverse myelitis or myeloradiculopathy.
- MRI may show enhancing lesions with mass effect; hydrocephalus can occur.
Conclusions:
- Neuroschistosomiasis requires prompt diagnosis and management to prevent severe neurological sequelae.
- Praziquantel and corticosteroids are effective treatments; surgical intervention may be needed for hydrocephalus.
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