Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Comparative Analysis of Automatic Fecal Analyzer versus Direct Wet Smear Microscopy for Detecting Parasitic Infections in Stool Samples
04:57

Comparative Analysis of Automatic Fecal Analyzer versus Direct Wet Smear Microscopy for Detecting Parasitic Infections in Stool Samples

Published on: April 25, 2025

Parasitic disorders

Charles R Newton1, Pierre-Marie Preux, Prathiba Singhi

  • 1KEMRI-Wellcome Collaborative Programme, Kilifi, Kenya.

Handbook of Clinical Neurology
|April 30, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Parasitic central nervous system infections in children are rising globally, impacting neurological health. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing these serious pediatric conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Tropical Medicine

Background:

  • Parasitic central nervous system (CNS) infections in children are prevalent in resource-poor and tropical regions.
  • Increasing global travel and migration are leading to a rise in these infections in Western countries.
  • These parasitic conditions are critical considerations in the differential diagnosis of pediatric neurological syndromes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the significance of parasitic CNS infections in pediatric neurology.
  • To discuss common parasitic causes of neurological dysfunction in children.
  • To emphasize the importance of considering these infections in the differential diagnosis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of literature on parasitic CNS infections in children.
  • Discussion of specific parasitic etiologies and their neurological manifestations.
  • Emphasis on diagnostic considerations and potential treatments.

Main Results:

  • Falciparum malaria, neurocysticercosis, schistosomiasis, and toxocariasis are key parasitic causes of neurological disease in children.
  • These infections can manifest as seizures, coma, epilepsy, spinal cord disease, encephalitis, and retinal changes.
  • Eosinophilia is a common associated finding, though not exclusive to parasitic causes of meningoencephalitis.

Conclusions:

  • Parasitic CNS infections represent a growing global health concern for children, requiring increased awareness.
  • Prompt recognition and diagnosis are essential for effective management and improved outcomes.
  • While many parasitic infections are treatable, the impact of treatment on long-term outcomes requires further investigation.

More Related Videos

A Simple Fecal Flotation Method for Diagnosing Zoonotic Nematodes Under Field and Laboratory Conditions03:46

A Simple Fecal Flotation Method for Diagnosing Zoonotic Nematodes Under Field and Laboratory Conditions

Published on: December 15, 2023

Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children10:57

Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children

Published on: August 22, 2012

Related Concept Videos

Microbial Interactions: Parasitism01:22

Microbial Interactions: Parasitism

Parasitism is a form of microbial interaction in which parasitic microbes exploit a host organism for nutrients and shelter, often at the host's expense. Unlike mutualistic relationships, where both organisms benefit, parasitism benefits only the parasite and harms the host.Classification of ParasitesMicrobial parasites are broadly classified based on their location relative to the host.Ectoparasites remain on the host’s surface, such as the skin or outer tissues, drawing nutrients...
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia01:28

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
Diversity of Protists II01:27

Diversity of Protists II

Alveolates are a group of organisms recognized by the presence of alveoli, which are cytoplasmic sacs located beneath the cell membrane. While their function remains uncertain, alveoli may help regulate water balance by controlling how much water enters and leaves the cell. In dinoflagellates, these structures may serve as armor plates. There are three major types of alveolates: ciliates, which move using cilia; dinoflagellates, which use flagella for movement; and apicomplexans, which are...
Diversity of Protists I01:15

Diversity of Protists I

Excavata is a diverse group of protists that includes both chemoorganotrophic and phototrophic species, with some thriving in anaerobic environments. Among the key groups within Excavata are diplomonads and parabasalids, which are flagellated protists that lack mitochondria and chloroplasts. These microorganisms typically inhabit anoxic environments, such as the intestines of animals, where they exist either symbiotically or as parasites, relying on fermentation for energy production. Some...
Anthelminthic Agents01:15

Anthelminthic Agents

Anthelmintic drugs differ significantly from antiparasitic therapies targeting protozoa, primarily due to differences in parasite biology. Whereas most protozoal treatments act on proliferating cells, anthelmintics are typically directed against mature, nonproliferative helminths. The therapeutic approach considers the helminth's reliance on neuromuscular coordination, glucose metabolism, and microtubular integrity for survival, reproduction, and localization within the host. Most anthelmintics...
Personality Disorders: Paranoid and Schizoid01:22

Personality Disorders: Paranoid and Schizoid

Personality disorders represent enduring cognition, affect, and behavior patterns that significantly deviate from societal norms. These maladaptive traits often lead to difficulties in various domains, including interpersonal relationships, occupational settings, and overall psychological well-being. Paranoid personality disorder and schizoid personality disorder are two distinct conditions marked by odd or eccentric behavior.
Paranoid Personality Disorder
Paranoid personality disorder is...