Parasitoses with central nervous system involvement

Area of Science:

• Neuroparasitology
• Central Nervous System (CNS) Infections
• Neurology

Background:

• Parasitic infections frequently present systemically and can involve the central nervous system (CNS).
• Cerebral involvement is a recognized clinical manifestation of common European parasitoses like cysticercosis, toxocarosis, echinococcosis, and toxoplasmosis.
• Parasitic larvae invade the CNS via bloodstream or direct migration, residing in parenchyma, ventricles, meninges, or spinal cord.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the significance of CNS involvement in common parasitic infections.
• To outline the pathological mechanisms and clinical presentations of parasitic CNS diseases.
• To review diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies for parasitic CNS infections.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical presentations and pathological findings of parasitic CNS involvement.
• Analysis of diagnostic methods including clinical evaluation, serology, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, neuroimaging, and biopsy.
• Summary of current treatment modalities, including antihelminthic agents and surgical interventions.

Main Results:

• Parasitic CNS invasion can cause diverse neurological damage, including encephalitis, meningitis, myelitis, and vasculitis.
• Clinical manifestations range from epilepsy and headache to cognitive deficits, focal neurological deficits, and visual impairment.
• Diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical, epidemiological, laboratory, and imaging data.

Conclusions:

• Central nervous system involvement is a critical aspect of several common parasitic infections that requires prompt recognition.
• Effective management strategies integrate antihelminthic therapy with supportive care and, when necessary, surgical intervention.
• Further research into early detection and novel therapeutic approaches for parasitic neuroinfections is warranted.