Curious Case of Facial Pain Mimicking Temporomandibular Disorder.

Facial pain is a common but complex complaint, frequently associated with dental issues or temporomandibular disorder (TMD). However, rare aetiologies can complicate conventional diagnoses and treatment approaches. We present a case of a 36-year-old male with persistent jaw pain and restricted mandibular movement, initially managed as a typical TMD case. Conventional treatments yielded no improvement, prompting advanced imaging, which identified an unusual mass within the lateral pterygoid muscle. A surgical excision of the mass was performed, and histopathological examination revealed a rare and unexpected diagnosis. This case highlights the importance of considering uncommon conditions in the differential diagnosis of TMD and facial pain to ensure timely and appropriate therapeutic interventions.

Evaluating zoonotic metacestodes: gross and histopathological alterations of beef in north-west Ethiopia one health approach for meat inspection and animal management.

Zoonotic metacestodes present a significant threat to both veterinary and public health. Specifically, the prevalence of metacestodes is often concentrated among consumers of raw meat and underdeveloped countries. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of condemned red offal and examine the gross and histopathology features of zoonotic metacestodes. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2022 to July 2023 at the Bahir Dar municipal abattoir. A simple random sampling method employed in the abattoir survey to investigate pathological changes of offal and its rate of condemnation. Following a gross inspection of the red offal, representative tissue samples collected and preserved in 10% neutral buffered formalin. Subsequently, the size and number of cysts determined, and their viability and fertility evaluated. Hematoxylin and eosin staining utilized to analyze various lesions with microscope. A total of 340 cattle examined and 7.5% red offal condemned due to hydatid cysts 4.12% in the lungs, 3% in the liver, 0.6% in the kidneys, and 0.9% in other organs. Red offal condemned due to Cysticercus bovis 0.6% in the liver and 0.3% in the tongue. A statistically significance relationship was found between lung rejection due to hydatidosis (p < 0.05), body condition score, and origin of the animal. Among the detected calcified cysts, 83.34% of C. bovis and 47.62% of hydatid cysts. Histopathological examination revealed hydatid cysts and their oncospheres within the portal circulation, as well as necrotized, calcified daughter cysts observed on Bowman's capsule. The alveoli and bronchiole parenchyma compressed with pressure of protoscolices and it infiltrated by eosinophils. The cyst wall is attached to the thick hepatic capsule of the liver, with the hepatic parenchyma displaying islands of irregular hepatocytes. Cysticercus bovis detected in the deteriorated and necrotized muscle bundles, along with granulomatous lesions characterized by infiltration of mononuclear cells. Gross and histological examinations is invaluable tool for diagnosing hydatidosis and cysticercosis, providing well-organized baseline data to enhance our understanding the burden of zoonotic metacestodes.

Prevalence of Taenia solium cysticercosis in domestic pigs following albendazole deworming intervention in rural communities of Mbulu district, Tanzania.

Taeniosis and cysticercosis are infections caused by cestodes, Taenia solium is among them. T.solium neurocysticercosis accounts for 30% of acquired epilepsy in human in developing countries. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of cysticercosis among domestic pigs in Mbulu district following deworming intervention. The study was conducted among three rural communities monitoring community intervention in Mbulu district between March 2020 and September 2021. Live pigs were diagnosed by lingual examination for the presence of T. solium cysticerci, and pig-rearing practices were recorded. Logistic regression was performed to determine the role of risk factors on pig infection outcome. We conveniently sampled 510 pigs; 267 (52.4%) were sampled in the year 2020 and 243 (47.6%) in 2021. All pigs were examined by lingual examination for the presence of pork tapeworm larvae, and 43 (8.4%) pigs were found to be infected. Twenty-one (48.8%) of the infected pigs were males and 22 (51.2%) were females, and the overall annual prevalence of tapeworm larvae was 9% and 7.8% for 2020 and 2021, respectively. The pigs were twice more likely to be found infected during the rainy season compared to the dry season in 2020 (OR = 2.27, 95%CI of 1.16-7.22). The reported pig-rearing practices were free-range, penned, and tethered, 141 (52.8%), 64 (24%), and 62 (23.2%), respectively. Of the 94 visited households in 2020, 78 (83%) reported drinking water without boiling, and 59 (62.8%) household leaders reported having heard about taeniosis/cysticercosis. The prevalence of cysticercosis among domestic pigs in this study was high, with seasonal variations. Despite the ongoing national school deworming and community deworming program, there was no significant change in the prevalence of cysticercosis over two consecutive years. The reported pig infections imply fecal-oral transmission with humans tapeworm eggs released from infected humans. Most households reported consuming unboiled drinking water that might be contaminated. Integrating pig vaccination and deworming, health education and school or community deworming along with improved pig management practice and general community water sanitation hygiene (WASH) are recommended to reduce the burden of pork tapeworm in the study communities.

Molecular Confirmation of Taenia solium Taeniasis in Child, Timor-Leste.

We report a case of Taenia solium taeniasis in a 10-year-old child in Timor-Leste, confirmed by molecular analysis, suggesting T. solium transmission to humans is occurring in Timor-Leste. Proactive measures are needed to improve public understanding of prevalence, geographic spread, and health implications of human taeniasis and cysticercosis in Timor-Leste.

A Rare Presentation of Cysticercosis in the Sternocleidomastoid Muscle.

Cysticercosis is a rare condition associated with the development of cysticercus (larval form) of Taenia solium (pork tapeworm), within an intermediate host. Accidental ingestion of infectious eggs is most likely the cause of humans becoming intermediate hosts. The most common site for larval cysts is the central nervous system followed by vitreous humor of the eye, striated muscle, and, in rare cases, subcutaneous and other tissues. Isolated muscular involvement with nonspecific symptoms makes this condition challenging to diagnose. We present an unusual case of cysticercus in the sternocleidomastoid muscle diagnosed with ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced scans, which was subsequently treated with surgical excision and a short course of anthelmintics.

Production and evaluation of a new set of recombinant antigens for the serological diagnosis of human cysticercosis.

Human cysticercosis caused by Taenia soliun (T. soliun) is endemic in certain areas of Latin America, Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is mainly diagnosed by neuroimaging, which, in most cases, is unavailable in endemic areas. Due to their high sensitivity and specificity, serological tests such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot (WB) based on the glycosylated fraction of the cyst CS50 are widely used for the detection of the anti-cysticercus IgG antibodies despite their significant cost and the need of cysticercus material. Given their cost-effectivess and simplicity, immunoassays based on recombinant proteins could provide new alternatives for human cysticercosis diagnosis: such tests would be aimed at screening those people living in remote areas who need further examination. To date, however, no test using recombinant antigens is commercially available. Herein, five recombinant proteins (R14, R18, R93.1, R914.1, and R915.2) were produced, three of which (R93.1, R914.1, and R915.2) were newly identified from the cyst fluid. Evaluation of the diagnostic performance of these recombinant antigens by ELISA was done using sera from 200 epileptic and non-epileptic individuals in comparison with the WB-CS50 as the reference serological method. Recombinant proteins-based ELISA showed a level of diagnostic performance that is inferior than the reference serological method, but similar to that of the native antigen ELISA for human cysticercosis (commonly used for screening). Further optimization of expression conditions is still needed in order to improve proteins solubility and enhance diagnostic performance for human cysticercosis detection. However, this preliminary evaluation of the recombinant antigens has shown their potential valuable use for screening cysticercosis in patients with epilepsy attending dispensaries in remote areas. Future studies should be conducted to evaluate our recombinant antigens in a large group of patients with different stages of NCC, and in correlation with imaging findings.

Neurocysticercosis-Induced Monoparesis: A Case Report of a Rare Neurological Manifestation.

Neurocysticercosis (NCC), a disease caused by the larval form of the pork tapeworm Taenia solium, is a common cause of acquired epilepsy globally, especially in areas with poor sanitation. While seizures and headaches are common manifestations, cases of NCC leading to monoparesis are exceedingly rare. Here, we describe a distinctive case of a 42-year-old male who developed sudden weakness and spasms in his left hand without prior injury or other systemic symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed a single cystic lesion in the right frontoparietal lobe indicative of NCC, which was the cause of his pure motor monoparesis (PMM), without any sensory loss. Treatment with dexamethasone and albendazole substantially improved his motor abilities, highlighting the necessity of considering NCC in differential diagnoses for monoparesis, particularly in endemic areas. This case adds a unique perspective to the clinical spectrum of NCC, highlighting the critical role of prompt and accurate diagnosis followed by appropriate treatment in achieving favorable outcomes.

Neurocysticercosis Prevalence and Characteristics in Communities of Sinda District in Zambia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed at describing the epidemiology of (neuro)cysticercosis as well as its clinical and radiological characteristics in a Taenia solium endemic district of Zambia. METHODS: This was part of a cross-sectional community-based study conducted in Sinda district to evaluate an antibody-detecting T. solium point-of-care (TS POC) test for taeniosis and (neuro)cysticercosis. All TS POC cysticercosis positive (CC+) participants and a subset of the TS POC cysticercosis negative (CC-) received a clinical evaluation and cerebral computed tomography (CT) examination for neurocysticercosis (NCC) diagnosis and staging. RESULTS: Of the 1249 participants with a valid TS POC test result, 177 (14%) were TS POC CC+ . Cysticercosis sero-prevalence was estimated to be 20.1% (95% confidence intervals [CI] 14.6-27.0%). In total, 233 participants received a CT examination (151 TS POC CC+ , 82 TS POC CC-). Typical NCC lesions were present in 35/151 (23%) TS POC CC+ , and in 10/82 (12%) TS POC CC- participants. NCC prevalence was 13.5% (95% CI 8.4-21.1%) in the study population and 38.0% (95% CI 5.2-87.4%) among people reporting epileptic seizures. Participants with NCC were more likely to experience epileptic seizures (OR = 3.98, 95% CI 1.34-11.78, p = 0.01) than those without NCC, although only 7/45 (16%) people with NCC ever experienced epileptic seizures. The number of lesions did not differ by TS POC CC status (median: 3 [IQR 1-6] versus 2.5 [IQR 1-5.3], p = 0.64). Eight (23%) of the 35 TS POC CC+ participants with NCC had active stage lesions; in contrast none of the TS POC CC- participants was diagnosed with active NCC. CONCLUSION: NCC is common in communities in the Eastern province of Zambia, but a large proportion of people remain asymptomatic.

A case report of disseminated cysticercosis in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Southwest China.

BACKGROUND: Cysticercosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease that poses a serious threat to public health. It is widely distributed and has a high incidence rate in China. Reports of disseminated cysticercosis worldwide are rare. This article presents a case of disseminated cysticercosis in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of southwestern China. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient, a 46-year-old male belonging to the Miao ethnic group, hailed from a region in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region known for its high incidence of cysticercosis. He had a habit of consuming raw pork and beef. With a history of recurrent consciousness disturbances and limb convulsions for five years, he presented with headaches and dizziness nine days prior. Comprehensive examinations were conducted on the patient. Ultimately, based on epidemiological history, imaging findings, pathogen testing, and pathological results, he was diagnosed with disseminated cysticercosis. Following anthelmintic treatment, the patient was discharged with clear consciousness, free from headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and seizures. The patient is currently under follow-up care. CONCLUSION: It is crucial to enhance public awareness, promote health education, and cultivate good hygiene habits, as these are essential measures in reducing the incidence of cysticercosis.

Rodent Gut Bacteria Coexisting with an Insect Gut Virus in Tapeworm Parasitic Cysts: Metagenomic Evidence of Microbial Selection in Extra-Intestinal Clinical Niches.

In medicine, parasitic cysts (e.g., brain cysticerci) are believed to be sterile, and are primarily treated with antiparasitic medications, not antibiotics, which could prevent abscess formation and localized inflammation. This study quantified the microbial composition of parasitic cysts in a wild rodent, using multi-kingdom metagenomics to comprehensively assess if parasitic cysts are sterile, and further understand gut microbial translocation and adaptation in wildlife confined environments, outside the gut. Analysis was conducted on DNA from two hepatic parasitic cysts from a feline tapeworm, Hydatigera (Taenia) taeniaeformis, affecting a wild vole mouse (Microtus pennsylvanicus), and from feces, liver and peritoneal fluid of this and two other concurrent individual wild voles trapped during pest control in one of our university research vegetable gardens. Bacterial metagenomics revealed the presence of gut commensal/opportunistic species, Parabacteroides distasonis, Bacteroides (Bacteroidota); Klebsiella variicola, E. coli (Enterobacteriaceae); Enterococcus faecium and Lactobacillus acidophilus (Bacillota) inhabiting the cysts, and peritoneal fluid. Remarkably, viral metagenomics revealed various murine viral species, and unexpectedly, a virus from the insect armyworm moth (Pseudaletia/Mythimna unipuncta), known as Mythimna unipuncta granulovirus A (MyunGV-A), in both cysts, and in one fecal and one peritoneal sample from the other non-cyst voles, indicating the survival and adaption potential of the insect virus in voles. Metagenomics also revealed a significantly lower probability of fungal detection in cysts compared to that in peritoneal fluid/feces (p < 0.05), with single taxon detection in each cyst (Malassezia and Pseudophaeomoniella oleicola). The peritoneal fluid had the highest probability for fungi. In conclusion, metagenomics revealed that bacteria/viruses/fungi coexist within parasitic cysts supporting the potential therapeutic benefits of antibiotics in cystic diseases, and in inflammatory microniches of chronic diseases, such as Crohn's disease gut wall cavitating micropathologies, from which we recently isolated similar synergistic pathogenic Bacteroidota and Enterobacteriaceae, and Bacillota.

The muscle and neural architecture of Taenia crassiceps cysticerci revisited; implications on head-tail polarization of the larvae.

Taenia crassiceps has been used for decades as an experimental model for the study of human and porcine cysticercosis. Even though, its life cycle, tissue organization, ultrastructure and immune response elicited in the host, have been extensively described, there are many other biological questions remaining to be addressed. In the present study we revisited the muscle and neural architecture of cysticerci in two of the most frequently used strains (WFU and ORF), using conventional staining and confocal microscopy imaging, aiming to assemble an updated anatomy. Differences between both strains, including polarization processes during development of the young budding larvae, are emphasized. We also performed a search for genes that have been related to peptidergic neural processes in other related flatworms. These findings can help to understand the anatomical and molecular consequences of the scolex presence or absence in both strains.

An Interesting Case Report on a Myocysticercosis Cyst.

One of the most dangerous parasite infections, cysticercosis, is found practically everywhere in the world. Cysticercus cellulosae is the larval stage of the swine tapeworm Taenia solium, which causes cysticercosis. Orbital or ocular cysticercosis (OOC) is an avoidable cause of blindness. There are two types of ocular cysticercosis: intraocular (in the anterior chamber, subretinal space, or vitreous) and extraocular (in the orbital tissues or subconjunctival space). Here, we report a rare case of extraocular muscle cysticercosis that presented as a solitary, well-defined lobulated mass near the medial canthus in the right eye and was well managed medically with antihelminthic drugs and corticosteroid therapy. The key to diagnosing myocysticercosis is orbital imaging. Although brain and ocular involvement in cysticercosis is common, extraocular muscle cysticercosis is extremely uncommon and mainly affects young people and children. Orbital pseudotumor, idiopathic myositis, and hydatid cysts are a few differential diagnoses for ocular cysticercosis. It is critical to recognize and treat such illnesses as early as feasible to avoid serious consequences. Public health measures are essential to eradicate this disease in the area.

Synergistic Manifestations in Cardiac Cysticercosis Complicated by Snake Bite: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Cysticercosis presents a prevalent issue on a global scale. Nevertheless, disseminated cysticercosis (DCC) is infrequent; even rarer is asymptomatic DCC. Here, we present a unique case of asymptomatic DCC involving the heart in a young male who came to medical attention following a fatal snake bite, ultimately leading to his demise. Despite the widespread dissemination of cysticercosis affecting multiple organs, the individual remained asymptomatic for the condition. We present a case of a 23-year-old male who was brought to the emergency department with a history of alleged snake bites. The patient was declared dead upon arrival at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, India. Autopsy findings revealed multiple significant cardiac abnormalities, including atheromatous changes with calcification in the root of the aorta and aortic valve, along with numerous collateral vessels originating from the left main coronary artery. Additionally, cystic nodules containing cysticercus larvae were identified within the myocardium, suggesting cardiac cysticercosis. The cause of death was determined to be complications related to the snakebite. This case emphasizes the importance of considering multiple potential etiologies in complex clinical presentations, especially in the tropics.

Concordance between two monoclonal antibody-based antigen detection enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for measuring cysticercal antigen levels in sera from pigs experimentally infected with Taenia solium and Taenia hydatigena.

BACKGROUND: Antigen detection in Taenia solium cysticercosis confirms viable infection in the intermediate host (either pig or human). The reference B158/B60 monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based Ag-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has acceptable levels of sensitivity and specificity in human neurocysticercosis with multiple brain cysts, although its sensitivity is lower in cases with single brain cysts, whereas in porcine cysticercosis the assay specificity is affected by its frequent cross-reaction with Taenia hydatigena, another common cestode found in pigs. Our group has produced 21 anti-T. solium mAbs reacting against antigens of the whole cyst, vesicular fluid, and secretory/excretory products, identifying TsW8/TsW5 as the most promising pair of mAbs for an Ag-ELISA. METHODS: We report the use of the TsW8/TsW5 Ag-ELISA to measure cysticercus antigen levels [expressed as optical density (OD) values] in two panels of sera collected from day 0 (baseline) to day 90 postinfection (PI) from pigs experimentally infected with T. solium (n = 26) and T. hydatigena (n = 12). At baseline and on days 28 and 90 PI, we used Bland-Altman (BA) analysis and Lin's concordance correlation coefficients (CCC) to determine the concordance between the TsW8/TsW5 and the B158/B60 Ag-ELISA. RESULTS: The TsW8/TsW5 Ag-ELISA was able to efficiently measure circulating antigen levels in T. solium-infected pigs, similar to that obtained with the B158/B60 Ag-ELISA. Almost all paired log-OD differences between assays were within the limits of agreement (LoA) in the BA analysis at baseline and on days 28 and 90 PI (92.3%, 100%, and 100%, respectively), and a high concordance of log-ODs between assays was also found (Lin's CCC: 0.69, 0.92, and 0.96, respectively, all P < 0.001). In pigs infected with T. hydatigena, almost all paired log-OD differences were within the LoA in the BA analysis, whereas the concordance of log-ODs between assays was low at baseline (Lin's CCC: 0.24) but increased on days 28 and 90 PI (Lins' CCC: 0.88 and 0.98, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The TsW8/TsW5 Ag-ELISA recognizes antigens in pigs with T. solium cysticercosis and is highly concordant with the B158/B60 Ag-ELISA. However, its diagnostic use is hampered by cross-reactions with T. hydatigena, as in other mAb-based Ag-ELISAs.

An Unusual Case of Symptomatic Isolated Lingual Cysticercosis: Clinical Suspicion Helped Prevent Disseminated Disease.

Intraorally, cysticercosis is regarded as uncommon and a diagnostic challenge. Here, we report a diagnostic conundrum of an unusual case of innocuous appearing lesion on the tongue presenting as moderately tender swelling finally diagnosed as lingual cysticercosis, based on USG (Ultrasound), CT (Computed Tomography) findings and characteristic histopathologic features.

Isolated Myocysticercosis of Pectoralis Major: A Rare Case.

Isolated myocysticercosis is a neglected tropical disease and a rare diagnosis, with only a handful of cases being reported in the literature. It is highlighted that recently, it has not only been limited to endemic regions but also persists globally due to widespread migration from endemic regions. We present a case of isolated myocysticercosis of the right pectoralis major without neurological involvement in a non-pork-eater. High-resolution ultrasonography is an effective method of diagnosis. Anti-helmintic drugs are effective treatment options; if not responding, surgical excision is the management of choice. Ultrasound-guided excision is a better treatment modality to prevent complications.

Rodent Gut Bacteria Coexisting with an Insect Gut Virus in Parasitic Cysts: Metagenomic Evidence of Microbial Translocation and Co-adaptation in Spatially-Confined Niches.

In medicine, parasitic cysts or cysticerci (fluid-filled cysts, larval stage of tapeworms) are believed to be sterile (no bacteria), and therein, the treatment of cysticerci infestations of deep extra-intestinal tissues (e.g., brain) relies almost exclusively on the use of antiparasitic medications, and rarely antibiotics. To date, however, it is unclear why common post-treatment complications include abscessation. This study quantified the microbial composition of parasitic cyst contents in a higher-order rodent host, using multi-kingdom shotgun metagenomics, to improve our understanding of gut microbial translocation and adaptation strategies in wild environments. Analysis was conducted on DNA from two hepatic parasitic cysts (Hydatigera (Taeenia) taeniaeformis) in an adult vole mouse (Microtus arvalis), and from feces, liver, and peritoneal fluid of three other vole family members living in a vegetable garden in Ohio, USA. Bacterial metagenomics revealed the presence of gut commensal/opportunistic species, including Parabacteroides distasonis, Klebsiella variicola, Enterococcus faecium, and Lactobacillus acidophilus, inhabiting the cysts. Parabacteroides distasonis and other species were also present outside the cyst in the peritoneal fluid. Remarkably, viral metagenomics revealed various murine viral species, but unexpectedly, it detected an insect-origin virus from the army moth (Pseudaletia/Mythimna unipuncta) known as Mythimna unipuncta granulovirus A (MyunGV-A) in both cysts, and in one fecal and one peritoneal sample from two different voles, indicating survival of the insect virus and adaption in voles. Metagenomics also revealed a significantly lower probability of fungal detection in the cysts compared to other samples (peritoneal fluid, p<0.05; and feces p<0.05), with single taxon detection in each cyst for Malassezia and Pseudophaeomoniella oleicola. The samples with a higher probability of fungi were the peritoneal fluid. In conclusion, commensal/pathobiont bacterial species can inhabit parasitic tapeworm cysts, which needs to be considered during therapeutic decisions of cysticerci or other chronic disease scenarios where immune privileged and spatially restricted ecosystems with limited nutrients and minimal presence of immune cells could facilitate microbial adaptation, such as within gut wall cavitating micropathologies in Crohn's disease.

"Cell blocking" the parasitic imposter: In a rare case of isolated pulmonary cysticercosis.

Isolated pulmonary cysticercosis is a rare manifestation of human cysticercosis which mainly affects central nervous system, skeletal muscles, eyes and subcutaneous tissues. Pulmonary involvement is usually a part of disseminated disease and mainly presents as bilateral pulmonary nodules. We report a rare case of isolated pulmonary cysticercosis presenting as lung cyst with pleural effusion. The diagnosis was made on pleural fluid cytology and cell block preparation. Herein we wish to recapitulate the importance of cell block as a diagnostic aid for parasitic infections, where morphological features and architectural patterns are as clearly discernable as in histopathology.

Cysticercosis of the Neck Masquerading as Submandibular Swelling.

Cysticercus cellulosae is the larval form of Taenia solium. The disease is transmitted by faecoral route by consumption of eggs from contaminated food. Sonography & CT neck-well-defined, cystic lesion with hyperechoic area suggestive of a scolex. FNAC revealed non human like cells, fibrillation stroma, inflammatory cells. Treatment includes antiparasitic therapy, steroids.