Clinical characteristics and management of neurocysticercosis patients: a retrospective assessment of case reports from Europe.

OBJECTIVES: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a parasitic disease caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Taenia solium. NCC mainly occurs in Africa, Latin America and South-East Asia and can cause a variety of clinical signs/symptoms. Although it is a rare disease in Europe, it should nonetheless be considered as a differential diagnosis. The aim of this study was to describe clinical characteristics and management of patients with NCC diagnosed and treated in Europe. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of published and unpublished data on patients diagnosed with NCC in Europe (2000-2019) and extracted demographic, clinical and radiological information on each case, if available. RESULTS: Out of 293 identified NCC cases, 59% of patients presented initially with epileptic seizures (21% focal onset); 52% presented with headache and 54% had other neurological signs/symptoms. The majority of patients had a travel or migration history (76%), mostly from/to Latin America (38%), Africa (32%) or Asia (30%). Treatment varied largely depending on cyst location and number. The outcome was favorable in 90% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Management of NCC in Europe varied considerably but often had a good outcome. Travel and migration to and from areas endemic for T. solium will likely result in continued low prevalence of NCC in Europe. Therefore, training and guidance of clinicians is recommended for optimal patient management.

Molecular Survey of Dirofilaria and Leishmania Species in Dogs from Central Balkan.

Dirofilariosis and leishmaniosis are severe parasitic diseases in dogs, and their causative agents can also be pathogenic to humans. In this study, we conducted a multicentric survey in the regions of Serbia and North Macedonia with the goal to establish an epidemiological scenario of dirofilariosis and leishmaniosis in the territory of Central Balkan. Using molecular analyses, a total of 535 dogs from Northern Serbia (NS), Southern Serbia (SS) and North Macedonia (NM) were screened for the presence of Dirofilaria spp. and Leishmania spp. We confirmed that Central Balkan is an endemic region for Dirofilaria (D.) immitis, as it was found to be the dominant species in this area, with the highest prevalence of 8.75% in NM, followed by NS (6.68%) and a significantly lower prevalence in SS (1.51%). Two dogs (2.5%) from NM were positive for Leishmania (L.) infantum infection. None of the dogs from Serbia tested positive for Leishmania spp. High prevalence and dominance of D. immitis species, and the rising threat of L. infantum spread to the territory of Serbia, suggest that preventive measures are of a great necessity to combat the spread of these vector-borne zoonoses.

Influence of the elevated ambient temperature on immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin G subclasses in sera of Wistar rats.

The aim of our research was to examine changes in the immune system of the rats influenced by the elevated ambient temperature. Male Wistar rats were divided, into 2 groups and housed at 20 +/- 2 degrees C (n = 64, control group) and 35 +/- 1 degrees C (n = 74, experimental group), during precise timing of 1, 4, 7, 14, 21, and 30 days. All the animals were given food and water ad libitum, and were lighted during 12 hours per day. We have measured IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b and IgG2c. The obtained results showed significant elevation in the level of IgG after 4 and 7 days (+32%), IgG2a after 7th (+88%), 14th and 21nd day (+110%), IgG2b after 14 days (+60%) at 35 +/- 1 degrees C compared with the control group at 20 +/- 2 degrees C. IgG1 level was not affected and IgG2c showed significant decrease after 21st day at 35 +/- 1 degrees C. In conclusion, during the elevated ambient temperature the immune system is activated as one of the regulation mechanisms in homeostasis and survival of the population.