Mass Spectrometry Identifies Taenia solium Proteins in Sera of Patients With and Without Parenchymal Neurocysticercosis.

Neurocysticercosis (NCC), a major cause of global acquired epilepsy, results from Taenia solium larval brain infection. T. solium adult worms release large numbers of infective eggs into the environment contributing to high levels of exposure in endemic areas. This study identifies T. solium proteins in the sera of individuals with and without NCC using mass spectrometry to examine exposure in endemic regions. Forty-seven patients (18-51 years), 24 parenchymal NCC (pNCC), 8 epilepsy of unknown aetiology, 7 glioma, 8 brain tuberculoma, and 7 healthy volunteers were studied. Trypsin digested sera were subject to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and spectra of 375-1700 m/z matched against T. solium WormBase ParaSite database with MaxQuant software to identify T. solium proteins. Three hundred and nineteen T. solium proteins were identified in 87.5% of pNCC and 56.6% of non-NCC subjects. Three hundred and four proteins were exclusive to pNCC sera, seven to non-NCC sera and eight in both. Ten percent, exhibiting immune-modulatory properties, originated from the oncosphere and cyst vesicular fluid. In conclusion, in endemic regions, T. solium proteins are detected in sera of individuals with and without pNCC. The immunomodulatory nature of these proteins may influence susceptibility and course of infection.

Characterization of antigenic proteins of the Taenia solium postoncospheral form.

Neurocysticercosis is the leading cause for acquired epilepsy worldwide, and it is caused by the larval stage of the parasite Taenia solium. Several proteins of this stage have been characterized and studied to understand the parasite-host interaction, however, the proteins from the early cysticercus stages (the postoncospheral form) have not yet been characterized. The study of the postoncospheral form proteins is important to understand the host-parasite relationship in the early stages of infection. The aim of this work was to identify postoncospheral form antigenic proteins using sera from neurocysticercosis patients. T. solium activated oncospheres were cultured in HCT-8 cells to obtain the postoncospheral form. Soluble total and excretory/secretory proteins were obtained from the postoncospheral form and were incubated with both pool sera and individual serum of neurocysticercosis positive human patients. Immunoblotting showed target antigenic proteins with apparent molecular weights of 23 kDa and 46-48 kDa. The 46-48 kDa antigen bands present in soluble total and excretory/secretory postoncospheral form proteins were analyzed by LC-MS/MS; proteins identified were: nuclear elongation factor 1 alpha, enolase, unnamed protein product/antigen diagnostic GP50, calcium binding protein calreticulin precursor and annexin. The postoncospheral form expresses proteins related to interaction with the host, some of these proteins are predicted to be exosomal proteins. In conclusion, postoncospheral proteins are consistent targets of the humoral immune response in human and may serve as targets for diagnosis and vaccines.

Transcriptomic analysis of subarachnoid cysts of Taenia solium reveals mechanisms for uncontrolled proliferation and adaptations to the microenvironment.

Subarachnoid neurocysticercosis (SANCC) is caused by an abnormally transformed form of the metacestode or larval form of the tapeworm Taenia solium. In contrast to vesicular parenchymal and ventricular located cysts that contain a viable scolex and are anlage of the adult tapeworm, the subarachnoid cyst proliferates to form aberrant membranous cystic masses within the subarachnoid spaces that cause mass effects and acute and chronic arachnoiditis. How subarachnoid cyst proliferates and interacts with the human host is poorly understood, but parasite stem cells (germinative cells) likely participate. RNA-seq analysis of the subarachnoid cyst bladder wall compared to the bladder wall and scolex of the vesicular cyst revealed that the subarachnoid form exhibits activation of signaling pathways that promote proliferation and increased lipid metabolism. These adaptions allow growth in a nutrient-limited cerebral spinal fluid. In addition, we identified therapeutic drug targets that would inhibit growth of the parasite, potentially increase effectiveness of treatment, and shorten its duration.

Silent Intruder: Unusual Presentation of Neurocysticercosis in an HIV-Infected Patient from the Far Northern Brazilian Amazon.

Neurocysticercosis, a parasitic infection of the central nervous system (CNS), is a significant public health issue globally, including in Brazil. This article presents a case report of a 44-year-old male patient residing in the rural area of Roraima, the northernmost region of Brazil within the Amazon Forest. The patient, with chronic HIV infection, acquired the Taenia solium helminth, resulting in neurocysticercosis development. Remarkably, the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis was not initially apparent but emerged through meticulous analysis following a motorcycle accident. The absence of seizures, a common clinical manifestation, complicated the diagnostic process, making it an uncommon case of NCC, which may be related to co-infection. As the patient's condition progressed, multiple complications arose, requiring additional medical attention and interventions. This case underscores the immense challenges faced by healthcare teams in managing neurocysticercosis effectively. It emphasizes the critical need for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to provide optimal care for such complex cases. The study's findings underscore the importance of raising awareness and implementing improved strategies for tackling neurocysticercosis, particularly in regions where it remains a prevalent concern.

Taenia solium excretory secretory proteins (ESPs) suppresses TLR4/AKT mediated ROS formation in human macrophages via hsa-miR-125.

BACKGROUND: Helminth infections are a global health menace affecting 24% of the world population. They continue to increase global disease burden as their unclear pathology imposes serious challenges to patient management. Neurocysticercosis is classified as neglected tropical disease and is caused by larvae of helminthic cestode Taenia solium. The larvae infect humans and localize in central nervous system and cause NCC; a leading etiological agent of acquired epilepsy in the developing world. The parasite has an intricate antigenic make-up and causes active immune suppression in the residing host. It communicates with the host via its secretome which is complex mixture of proteins also called excretory secretory products (ESPs). Understanding the ESPs interaction with host can identify therapeutic intervention hot spots. In our research, we studied the effect of T. solium ESPs on human macrophages and investigated the post-translation switch involved in its immunopathogenesis. METHODOLOGY: T. solium cysts were cultured in vitro to get ESPs and used for treating human macrophages. These macrophages were studied for cellular signaling and miR expression and quantification at transcript and protein level. CONCLUSION: We found that T. solium cyst ESPs treatment to human macrophages leads to activation of Th2 immune response. A complex cytokine expression by macrophages was also observed with both Th1 and Th2 cytokines in milieu. But, at the same time ESPs modulated the macrophage function by altering the host miR expression as seen with altered ROS activity, apoptosis and phagocytosis. This leads to activated yet compromised functional macrophages, which provides a niche to support parasite survival. Thus T. solium secretome induces Th2 phenomenon in macrophages which may promote parasite's survival and delay their recognition by host immune system.

Multiantigen print immunoassay (MAPIA) for the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis: a single-center diagnostic optimization and accuracy study in Lima, Peru.

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most common helminthic infection of the human central nervous system. The antibody detection assay of choice is the enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot assay using lentil-lectin purified parasite antigens (LLGP-EITB, Western blot), an immunoassay with exceptional performance in clinical samples. However, its use is mainly restricted to a few research laboratories because the assay is labor-intensive and requires sophisticated equipment, expertise, and large amounts of parasite material for preparation of reagents. We report a new immunoprint assay (MAPIA) that overcomes most of these barriers. We initially compared the performance of five different antigen combinations in a subset of defined samples in the MAPIA format. After selecting the best-performing assay format (a combination of rGP50 + rT24H + sTs14 antigens), 148 archived serum samples were tested, including 40 from individuals with parenchymal NCC, 40 with subarachnoid NCC, and 68 healthy controls with no evidence of neurologic disease. MAPIA using three antigens (rGP50 + rT24H + sTs14) was highly sensitive and specific for detecting antibodies in NCC. It detected 39 out of 40 (97.5%) parenchymal NCC cases and 40/40 (100%) subarachnoid cases and was negative in 67 out of 68 (98.53%) negative samples. MAPIA using three recombinant and synthetic antigens is a simple and economical tool with a performance equivalent to the LLGP-EITB assay for the detection of specific antibodies to NCC. The MAPIA overcomes existing barriers to adoption of the EITG LLGP and is a candidate for worldwide use.

Insights into the diagnosis, vaccines, and control of Taenia solium, a zoonotic, neglected parasite.

Taenia solium taeniasis/cysticercosis (TSTC) is a foodborne, zoonotic neglected tropical disease affecting predominately low- and middle-income countries. Humans are definitive hosts for T. solium, whereas pigs act as intermediate hosts. Taeniasis, i.e. intestinal infection with adult T. solium in the human host, occurs through ingestion of undercooked pork infected with the larval stage (porcine cysticercosis, PCC). Human cysticercosis occurs after humans ingest T. solium eggs, acting as accidental intermediate hosts. Migration of cysticerci to the human brain results in neurocysticercosis (NCC), manifesting in a variety of clinical symptoms, most notably epilepsy. NCC is the leading cause of acquired epilepsy cases in endemic areas. PCC results in reduced pork value because of condemnation or the risk of condemnation of the meat. Available serological diagnostic tests for porcine and human cysticercosis are characterized by low sensitivity and are not cost-effective. An effective vaccine for T. solium cysticercosis in pigs has been developed, although it is not yet commercially available in all endemic countries, and still no vaccine is available for use in humans. This primer highlights the recent development in the field of diagnostic tests and vaccine production and explores possible strategies for future control and eradication of T. solium. In the absence of highly specific diagnostic tests and human vaccines, treatment of infected pigs and tapeworm carriers and prevention of disease transmission remain the principal means to interrupt the zoonotic cycle of T. solium in endemic countries.

Monetary burden of neurocysticercosis on a hospitalized population in Muli County, China.

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by the zoonotic cestode, Taenia solium. Pigs are the typical intermediate hosts for T. solium but humans can become infected and develop NCC upon ingesting parasite eggs that are shed in the feces of an infected person. The objective of this study was to estimate the monetary burden of neurocysticercosis (NCC) on hospitalized patients from Muli County, China. Muli is an agricultural county in Liangshan Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China where pigs are raised and the zoonotic cestode, Taenia solium, is endemic. Demographic and treatment data were collected from the Muli County Health Insurance Department on hospitalized individuals with an NCC diagnosis between 2014 and 2021. These patients represent residents of Muli County that purchased health insurance and received treatment in a public hospital in Sichuan Province. Hospital costs were converted from Chinese renminbi (RMB) to United States dollars (US$) for month and year of hospitalization and adjusted for inflation. Individuals with missing hospital information were excluded from analysis. For indirect costs, annual average salary for Liangshan Prefecture working-age adults was obtained to calculate productivity losses based on number of hospitalization days and travel days to and from the hospital. Transportation costs were evaluated based on estimated bus fare to and from the hospital. Out of 70 patients identified from 2014 to 2021, 68 had complete records, of which 47.1% were male (n = 33) and the median age at first hospitalization was 34 years. Total estimated cost for these patients was US$228,341.98. Direct costs contributed 62.5% (US$142,785.25) and indirect costs were 37.5% (US$85,556.73) of the total cost. The estimated median cost per case was US$2,078.69. Individuals with a single hospitalization (n = 41) cost a median of US$1,572.03 and those with multiple hospitalizations (n = 27) cost a median of US$4,169.95. The median total cost per NCC case was 18.6% of the average wage for a Liangshan Prefecture resident in 2021. While the study was limited to those with insurance coverage, monetary burden on the local population is likely substantial. Public health policies aimed at reducing transmission should be implemented to decrease the economic burden of NCC on this region.

Efficacy and safety of antiparasitic therapy for neurocysticercosis in rural Tanzania: a prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: Neurocysticercosis is common in regions endemic for Taenia solium. Active-stage neurocysticercosis can be treated with antiparasitic medication, but so far no study on efficacy and safety has been conducted in Africa. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study on treatment of neurocysticercosis in Tanzania between August 2018 and January 2022. Patients were initially treated with albendazole (15 mg/kg/d) for 10 days and followed up for 6 months. Additionally in July 2021, all participants who then still had cysts were offered a combination therapy consisting of albendazole (15 mg/kg/d) and praziquantel (50 mg/kg/d). Antiparasitic treatment was accompanied by corticosteroid medication and anti-seizure medication if the patient had experienced epileptic seizures before treatment. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients were recruited for this study, of whom 17 had a complete follow-up after albendazole monotherapy. These patients had a total of 138 cysts at baseline, of which 58 (42%) had disappeared or calcified by the end of follow-up. The median cyst reduction was 40% (interquartile range 11-63%). Frequency of epileptic seizures reduced considerably (p < 0.001). Three patients had all active cysts resolved or calcified and of the remaining 14, eight received the combination therapy which resolved 63 of 66 cysts (95%). Adverse events were infrequent and mild to moderate during both treatment cycles. CONCLUSION: Cyst resolution was unsatisfactory with albendazole monotherapy but was very high when it was followed by a combination of albendazole and praziquantel.

Efficacy and safety of praziquantel in the treatment of neurocysticercosis in Vietnam.

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a parasitic infection of the nervous system and is responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality. Praziquantel (PZQ) is one of the antiparasitics mostly used in managing NCC, however, there have been only a few studies on the treatment outcome of this drug. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PZQ in patients with NCC. Sixty patients with typical characteristics of NCC received three 10-day cycles of PZQ and the interruption between these cycles was 10 days. Additional treatment included antiinflammation (steroids), antiepileptics and analgesics. Clinical and imaging studies were done at baseline and six months after therapy to assess the efficacy of treatment. Laboratory evaluation was done before and after each cycle to investigate laboratory safety profiles. By six months after finishing therapy, all patients had clinical improvement and 75% of them were free of symptoms. The rates of complete, partial or no resolution of cysts on brain magnetic resonance imaging were 61.7%, 28.3% and 10% respectively. The efficacy of therapy was not associated with the number of cysts. There was no difference between the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, urea and creatinine before and after treatment. Conclusion: Praziquantel is effective and safe in the treatment of patients with neurocysticercosis.

[Epidemiology of cysticercosis in Chile]. / Riesgo y distribución geográfica de neurocisticercosis en Chile según egresos hospitalarios (2002-2019).

BACKGROUND: Neurocysticercosis is the most prevalent parasitic disease of the central nervous system in Chile, where sporadic cases are reported, without information about the epidemiology or distribution of the disease. AIM: To identify the main risk zones for cysticercosis in Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of hospital discharge databases between 2002 and 2019, available at the website of the Chilean Ministry of Health. Cases with B69 code of the tenth international classification of diseases were identified. RESULTS: In the study period, there were 1752 discharges with the diagnoses of neurocysticercosis, ocular cysticercosis and cysticercosis of other sites. The ages of patients ranged from 0 to 89 years with a clustering between 30 and 59 years. Sixty two percent were males. The zone between the regions of Maule and Araucania concentrated 82% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: We identified the zone with the greatest concentration of cysticercosis in Chile, where preventive strategies should eventually be directed.

Increased iron uptake in the bladder wall of racemose cysts of Taenia solium.

Racemose neurocysticercosis is an aggressive infection caused by the aberrant expansion and proliferation of the bladder wall of the Taenia solium cyst within the subarachnoid spaces of the human brain. The parasite develops and proliferates in a microenvironment with low concentrations of growth factors and micronutrients compared to serum. Iron is important for essential biological processes, but its requirement for racemose cyst viability and proliferation has not been studied. The presence of iron in the bladder wall of racemose and normal univesicular T. solium cysts was determined using Prussian blue staining. Iron deposits were readily detected in the bladder wall of racemose cysts but were not detectable in the bladder wall of univesicular cysts. Consistent with this finding, the genes for two iron-binding proteins (ferritin and melanotransferrin) and ribonucleotide reductase were markedly overexpressed in the racemose cyst compared to univesicular cysts. The presence of iron in the bladder wall of racemose cysts may be due to its increased metabolic rate due to proliferation.

Oxfendazole induces protein catabolism and gluconeogenesis in experimental neurocysticercosis.

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is an endemic public health disease of the central nervous system highly related to epilepsy and seizures. Taenia crassiceps is an experimental model used for NCC and biochemical studies of the host-parasite relationship. For the past 50 years the NCC therapeutic treatment is performed with albendazole (ABZ) and praziquantel which opens a gap for new therapies due to parasitic resistance and other adverse effects of the drugs. Oxfendazole (OXF) is an albendazole derivative with efficacy against tissue cestodes of veterinary importance. The aim of this study was to determine the metabolic impact of OXF on T. crassiceps cysticerci intracranially inoculated in Balb/C mice. The animals were intracranially inoculated with T. crassiceps cysticerci and 30 days later received single dose oral treatment of OXF, ABZ and NaCl 0.9% (control group). The metabolic impact was quantified through the detection of metabolites from glycolysis, anaerobic fermentation of lactate and propionate, tricarboxylic acid cycle, protein catabolism, fatty acids oxidation. The differences observed in the concentrations of metabolites from the OXF treated group showed that the drug induced gluconeogenesis, increase in protein catabolism, fatty acids oxidation and propionate fermentation in comparison to the ABZ and control treated groups. In conclusion, OXF induced greater metabolic impact in T. crassiceps cysticerci than the standard NCC treatment, ABZ, showing that it may represent an alternative drug for its treatment.

Proliferative cells in racemose neurocysticercosis have an active MAPK signalling pathway and respond to metformin treatment.

Racemose neurocysticercosis is an aggressive infection caused by the aberrant expansion of the cyst form of Taenia solium within the subarachnoid spaces of the human brain and spinal cord, resulting in the displacement of the surrounding host tissue and chronic inflammation. We previously demonstrated that the continued growth of the racemose bladder wall is associated with the presence of mitotically active cells but the nature and control of these proliferative cells are not well understood. Here, we demonstrated by immunofluorescence that the racemose cyst has an active mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signalling pathway that is inhibited after treatment with metformin, which reduces racemose cell proliferation in vitro, and reduces parasite growth in the murine model of Taenia crassiceps cysticercosis. Our findings indicate the importance of insulin receptor-mediated activation of the MAPK signalling pathway in the proliferation and growth of the bladder wall of the racemose cyst and its susceptibility to metformin action. The antiproliferative action of metformin may provide a new therapeutic approach against racemose neurocysticercosis.

Riesgo y distribución geográfica de neurocisticercosis en Chile según egresos hospitalarios (2002-2019) / Epidemiology of cysticercosis in Chile

BACKGROUND: Neurocysticercosis is the most prevalent parasitic disease of the central nervous system in Chile, where sporadic cases are reported, without information about the epidemiology or distribution of the disease. AIM: To identify the main risk zones for cysticercosis in Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of hospital discharge databases between 2002 and 2019, available at the website of the Chilean Ministry of Health. Cases with B69 code of the tenth international classification of diseases were identified. RESULTS: In the study period, there were 1752 discharges with the diagnoses of neurocysticercosis, ocular cysticercosis and cysticercosis of other sites. The ages of patients ranged from 0 to 89 years with a clustering between 30 and 59 years. Sixty two percent were males. The zone between the regions of Maule and Araucania concentrated 82% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: We identified the zone with the greatest concentration of cysticercosis in Chile, where preventive strategies should eventually be directed.

Multiple-bead assay for the differential serodiagnosis of neglected human cestodiases: Neurocysticercosis and cystic echinococcosis.

BACKGROUND: Neurocysticercosis (NCC), and cystic echinococcosis (CE) are two neglected diseases caused by cestodes, co-endemic in many areas of the world. Imaging studies and serological tests are used in the diagnosis of both parasitic diseases, but cross-reactions may confound the results of the latter. The novel multiplex bead-based assay with recombinant antigens has been reported to increases the diagnostic accuracy of serological techniques. METHODOLOGY: We set-up an immunoassay based on the multiplex bead-based platform (MBA), using the rT24H (against Cysticercus cellulosae, causing cysticercosis) and r2B2t (against Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato, causing CE) recombinant antigens, for simultaneous and differential diagnosis of these infections. The antigens were tested on 356 sera from 151 patients with CE, 126 patients with NCC, and 79 individuals negative for both diseases. Specificity was calculated including sera from healthy donors, other neurological diseases and the respective NCC or CE sera counterpart. The diagnostic accuracy of this assay was compared with two commercial ELISA tests, Novalisa and Ridascreen, widely used in the routine diagnosis of cysticercosis and CE, respectively. MAIN FINDINGS: For the diagnosis of NCC, sensitivity ranged from 57.94-63.49% for the rT24H-MBA, and 40.48-46.03% for Novalisa ELISA depending on exclusion or inclusion of sera having equivocal results on ELISA from the analysis; specificities ranged from 90.87-91.30% and 70.43-76.96%, respectively. AUC values of the ROC curve were 0.783 (rT24H) and 0.619 (Novalisa) (p-value < 0.001). For the diagnosis of CE, the sensitivity of the r2B2t-MBA ranged from 68.87-69.77% and of Ridascreen ELISA from 50.00-57.62%; specificities from 92.47-92.68% and from 74.15-80.98%, respectively. AUC values were 0.717 and 0.760, respectively. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Overall, the recombinant antigens tested with the bead-based technology showed better diagnostic accuracy than the commercial assays, particularly for the diagnosis of NCC. The possibility of testing the same serum sample simultaneously for the presence of antibodies against both antigens is an added value particularly in seroprevalence studies for cysticercosis linked to control programs in endemic areas where these two parasites coexist.

Evaluation of recombinant glutathione transferase 26 kDa, thioredoxin-1, and endophilin B1 of Taenia solium in the diagnosis of human neurocysticercosis.

Neurocysticercosis caused by Taenia solium larvae is a neglected disease that persists in several countries, including Mexico, and causes a high disability-adjusted life year burden. Neuroimaging tools such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are the most efficient for its detection, but low availability and high costs in most endemic regions limit their use. Serological methods such as lentil lectin-purified glycoprotein enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot antibody detection and monoclonal antibody-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for HP10 antigen detection have been useful in supporting the diagnosis of this disease. We evaluated three T. solium recombinant antigens: glutathione transferase of 26 kDa (Ts26GST); thioredoxin-1 (TsTrx-1), and endophilin B1 (TsMEndoB1) by EITB. These are antigenic proteins antigenic, abundant in excretion/secretion products of the parasite, and do not cross-react with homologous host proteins. Ts26GST and TsTrx-1 showed sensitivity of 79 and 88%, specificity of 86 and 97%, PPV of 83 and 97% and NPV of 82 and 91%, respectively, for neurocysticercosis diagnosis. The recombinant antigens allowed the diagnosis of 70% (Ts26GST) and 80% (TsTrx-1) of patients having only one cysticercus. Further studies on specific regions of these proteins could improve T. solium diagnostics.

The many facets of disseminated parenchymal brain cysticercosis: A differential diagnosis with important therapeutic implications.

Neurocysticercosis (NCC), the infection of the nervous system by the cystic larvae of Taenia solium, is a highly pleomorphic disease because of differences in the number and anatomical location of lesions, the viability of parasites, and the severity of the host immune response. Most patients with parenchymal brain NCC present with few lesions and a relatively benign clinical course, but massive forms of parenchymal NCC can carry a poor prognosis if not well recognized and inappropriately managed. We present the main presentations of massive parenchymal NCC and their differential characteristics.

Next-generation sequencing combined with serological tests based pathogen analysis for a neurocysticercosis patient with a 20-year history:a case report.

BACKGROUND: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most common helminthic infection of the central nervous system (CNS) caused by the larval stage of Taenia solium. Accurate and early diagnosis of NCC remains challenging due to its heterogeneous clinical manifestations, neuroimaging deficits, variable sensitivity, and specificity of serological tests. Next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based pathogen analysis in patient's cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with NCC infection has recently been reported indicating its diagnostic efficacy. In this case study, we report the diagnosis of a NCC patient with a symptomatic history of over 20 years using NGS analysis and further confirmation of the pathology by immunological tests. CASE PRESENTATION: This study reports the clinical imaging and immunological features of a patient with a recurrent headache for more than 20 years, which worsened gradually with the symptom of fever for more than 7 years and paroxysmal amaurosis for more than 1 year. By utilizing NGS technique, the pathogen was detected in patient's CSF, and the presence of Taenia solium-DNA was confirmed by a positive immunological reaction to cysticercus IgG antibody in CSF and serum samples. The symptoms of the patient were alleviated, and the CSF condition was improved substantially after the anti-helminthic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that combining CSF NGS with cysticercus IgG testing may be a highly promising approach for diagnosing the challenging cases of NCC. Further studies are needed to evaluate the parasitic DNA load in patients' CSF for the diagnosis of disease severity, stage, and monitoring of therapeutic responses.

Neurocysticercosis in patients with active epilepsy in the tea garden community of Assam, Northeast India.

Neurocysticercosis is a significant cause of epilepsy in the tropics. The present cross-sectional survey was conducted in the socioeconomically backward tea garden community of Assam to gauge the prevalence of neurocysticercosis in patients with active epilepsy and to determine the associated risk factors. In a door to door survey, a total of 1028 individuals from every fifth household of the study Teagarden were enrolled to identify self-reported seizure cases, followed by a neurological examination to confirm the diagnosis of active epilepsy. Patients with active epilepsy underwent clinical, epidemiological, neuroimaging (contrast-enhanced computerized tomography) and immunological evaluations to establish the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis. Clinically confirmed 53 (5.16%) active epilepsy were identified; 45 agreed to further assessment for neurocysticercosis and 19 (42.2%) cases fulfilled either definitive or probable diagnostic criteria for neurocysticercosis. Patients with epilepsy due to neurocysticercosis were more likely to suffer from taeniasis (20.0% vs 0.0%), rear pigs (57.9% vs 15.4%) or have pigs in their neighbourhood (78.9% vs 53.8%) relative to epileptic patients without neurocysticercosis. Rearing pigs (aOR 14.35, 95% CI: 3.98-51.75) or having pigs in the neighbourhood (aOR 12.34, 95% CI: 2.53-60.31) were independent risk factors of neurocysticercosis. In this community, the prevalence of taeniasis (adult worm infection) was 6.6% based on microscopy. The study reports a high prevalence of active epilepsy in the tea garden community of Assam and neurocysticercosis as its primary cause. The high prevalence of taeniasis is also a significant concern.