Neurocysticercosis-related epilepsy in a South African patient: a case report

Abstract

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is considered a public health problem in various parts of the world and it is one of the preventable causes of epilepsy in developing countries. It is defined as the infection of the central nervous system (CNS) and meninges by the larval stage of Taenia solium. This case report discusses a male patient diagnosed with NCC who presented with a single brain lesion, and who subsequently developed seizures.

NCC is not only a significant cause of acquired epilepsy in many developing countries, but it is also of increasing concern in developed countries due to the increased immigration of cysticercus carriers. Although NCC (parasitic infection caused by pork tapeworm) and taeniasis (parasitic infection caused by various tapeworm species) may be encountered worldwide, the prevalence of NCC is highest in specific communities in developing countries. Factors that influence this high prevalence include feeding on pork, poor sanitary conditions, and free-roaming of pigs. NCC remains on the World Health Organization (WHO) list of neglected tropical diseases; endemic primarily in developing countries south of the Sahara, Asia, and Latin America.