Pathological structural changes in the brain in the course of neurocysticercosis - pathogenesis, serological...

Neurocysticercosis is one of the most common parasitic diseases of the brain, it is caused by Taenia solium. Human infection occurs as a result of the ingestion of parasite eggs or undercooked pork. Most infections are recorded in endemic regions, i.e.: South America, Asia, India, Africa, China and Nepal. In cysticercosis, central nervous system involvement accounts for 60-90% of all cases of infection. The location of the changes in the brain is different. Cysts can occur in the ventricles of the brain, in the parenchyma, subarachnoid, within the spinal cord or cerebellum. In recent decades, the prognosis of patients with neurocysticercosis has improved as a result of increased expenditure on health care, education, sanitary and epidemiological supervision and new diagnostic methods. In the first half of the 20th century, infections were almost completely eliminated in Europe. In contrast, the problem is constantly occurring in developing countries. The diagnosis of brain changes is troublesome because it is often impossible to take samples and thus cannot be histopathologically examined. Imaging and serological tests are used to make the diagnosis. The final diagnosis is difficult because changes in the brain may be atypical, and their variability as a result of evolution is an additional factor forcing a deeper diagnosis. In the course of neurocysticercosis histopathological examination, ELISA without modification is not useful. However, imaging tests such as: magnetic resonance imaging (taking into account various protocols), computed tomography, Ag-ELISA are used. Despite the advanced technique, making the diagnosis still causes problems. Therefore, differential diagnosis and confirmation of diagnosis is needed by both imaging and serological tests.