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Published on: April 20, 2021
Eosinophilic meningitis
Kittisak Sawanyawisuth1, Verajit Chotmongkol
1Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
Handbook of Clinical Neurology
|July 9, 2013
Summary
Eosinophilic meningitis, characterized by eosinophils in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), is primarily caused by parasitic infections. This review covers risk factors, symptoms, and treatments for common parasites like Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Gnathostoma spinigerum, and Taenia solium.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Eosinophilic meningitis is defined by ≥10% eosinophils in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leukocyte counts.
- While various factors can cause eosinophils in CSF, parasitic infections are the predominant etiology.
- Key parasitic culprits include Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Gnathostoma spinigerum, and Taenia solium.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the risk factors, clinical manifestations, and treatment strategies for three common parasitic causes of eosinophilic meningitis.
- To raise awareness among global physicians regarding the increasing prevalence of these infections due to travel.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of parasitic meningitis.
- Analysis of clinical data and treatment outcomes for Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Gnathostoma spinigerum, and Taenia solium infections.
Main Results:
- Parasitic infections are the leading cause of eosinophilic meningitis worldwide.
- Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Gnathostoma spinigerum, and Taenia solium are the most frequently implicated parasites.
- Global spread is facilitated by international travel, necessitating increased physician vigilance.
Conclusions:
- Physicians must consider parasitic meningitis in differential diagnoses, especially with eosinophilia in CSF.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing these potentially severe infections.
- Understanding the epidemiology and clinical features aids in effective patient management and public health awareness.
Keywords:
Angiostrongylus cantonensisGnathostoma spinigerumTaenia soliumangiostrongyliasisclinical manifestationsdiagnosiseosinophilic meningitisgnathostomiasisneurocysticercosistreatmentMore Related Videos
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