Disseminated Human Subarachnoid Coenurosis

Area of Science:

• * Infectious Diseases
• * Neuroparasitology
• * Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

• * Human coenurosis and neurocysticercosis were historically attributed to specific Taenia species based on morphology.
• * Morphological criteria for cestode identification are often inaccurate.
• * Molecular techniques have improved the accuracy of identifying cestode species, revealing new etiological agents for central nervous system (CNS) infections.

Observation:

• * A 5-year-old male presented with acute hydrocephalus due to multiple cysts in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spaces.
• * Imaging revealed grape-like cysts in the basal cisterns, leading to obstructive hydrocephalus.
• * Despite empiric treatment with albendazole, praziquantel, and prednisone, the patient's condition deteriorated, necessitating surgical intervention.

Findings:

• * DNA sequencing of CSF and cyst tissue identified the causative agent as Taenia serialis, with 97.68% similarity to its 12S ribosomal RNA gene.
• * This case represents the first instance of disseminated subarachnoid coenurosis caused by Taenia serialis.
• * Taenia serialis infection can present with pathological forms mimicking both cysticercosis cellulosae and cysticercosis racemosus.

Implications:

• * Taenia serialis should be considered as a potential cause of disseminated CNS coenurosis, particularly in cases resembling neurocysticercosis racemosus.
• * The term 'coenurosis racemosus' may be applicable for extensive subarachnoid T. serialis infections.
• * Accurate species identification using molecular methods is critical for understanding the epidemiology and clinical spectrum of human cestode infections affecting the CNS.