Schistosomiasis of the nervous system

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Neurology
• Parasitology

Background:

• Schistosomiasis affects 200 million people globally, caused by Schistosoma parasites.
• Neurological complications arise from host inflammatory responses to parasite eggs in the central nervous system.
• Cerebral and spinal cord involvement can lead to severe neurological deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the neurological manifestations of schistosomiasis.
• To highlight the increasing incidence of Schistosoma mansoni-related cerebral disease.
• To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for central nervous system schistosomiasis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of neurological complications associated with Schistosoma infections.
• Analysis of clinical presentations, including cerebral and myelopathic forms.
• Discussion of current therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

• Neurological schistosomiasis presents as cerebral disease (headache, seizures, increased intracranial pressure) or myelopathy.
• Cerebral schistosomiasis is more common with Schistosoma japonicum but increasing with Schistosoma mansoni.
• Myelopathy, often involving the conus medullaris and cauda equina, is the most frequent neurological manifestation of Schistosoma mansoni.

Conclusions:

• Central nervous system schistosomiasis requires early recognition and prompt intervention.
• Treatment involves schistosomicidal drugs (e.g., praziquantel), steroids, and potentially surgery.
• Effective management is critical to prevent severe neurological sequelae.