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Published on: March 28, 2025
[Neurocysticercosis in Murcia (Spain)]
S Ruiz1, E García-Vázquez, R Picazo
1Servicio Medicina Interna, Hospital Vega del Río Segura, Cieza, Murcia, España.
Introduction:
Neurocysticercosis (NC) is the most prevalent parasitic infection in the CNS. Its frequency in our environment has increased with migratory movements. The clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with NC attended in a third level hospital in an area with a high prevalence of immigrant have been analyzed.
Patients And Methods:
A retrospective study was done of the patients registered by the Coding Service of Virgen de la Arrixaca Hospital (January 2996 to December 2009), analyzing all the clinical histories of patients discharged with the primary or secondary diagnosis of neurocysticercosis. The most relevant epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic data were analyzed.
Results:
35 patients were included in the study. Of these, 24 were men, all coming from Latin America. The most prevalent onset was seizure episode (27 patients). The number of cases per year began to increase after 2002. Although only 21 of the cases had criteria to begin medical treatment with albendazole, it had been prescribed to 29 patients.
Conclusion:
In Murcia, NC is mainly an imported disease. An increase in the annual incidence has been observed since 2002, parallel to the rise in the number of immigrants. Approximately 25% of the patients received treatment in spite of not having antiparasitic treatment indication.
Insights
Neurocysticercosis (NC) is an imported parasitic central nervous system infection. An increase in NC cases in Murcia correlates with rising immigrant populations, with some patients receiving unnecessary treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Neurocysticercosis (NC) is the most common parasitic infection of the central nervous system (CNS).
- Increased migratory movements have led to a rise in NC cases in non-endemic areas.
- Analysis of NC patient demographics and clinical characteristics in a high-prevalence immigrant area.
Purpose:
- To analyze the clinical and demographic characteristics of neurocysticercosis patients.
- To investigate the epidemiological trends of NC in a specific region.
- To evaluate diagnostic and therapeutic practices for NC.
Summary:
- A retrospective study of 35 NC patients (24 male) from Latin America treated between 1996-2009.
- Seizures were the most common symptom; annual NC cases increased post-2002, coinciding with immigration.
- Albendazole was prescribed to 29 patients, despite only 21 meeting treatment criteria.
Impact:
- NC in Murcia is primarily an imported disease linked to immigration.
- The study highlights an increasing incidence of NC.
- Identifies potential overuse of antiparasitic treatment in NC cases.
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