Neuroparasitic infections: nematodes

Semin Neurol. 2005 Sep;25(3):252-61. doi: 10.1055/s-2005-917662.

Abstract

Globalization has produced an increase in the number of people at risk for contracting parasitic infection. Central nervous system infection by nematodal parasites can be devastating. Early recognition and treatment of infection can significantly decrease morbidity of the parasitic infection, as well as the risk of secondary superinfection. The clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment for five of the more common nematodal infections of the nervous system--Angiostrongylus spp., Baylisacaris procyonis, Gnathostoma spinigerum, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Toxocara spp.--is reviewed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiostrongylus
  • Animals
  • Gnathostoma
  • Humans
  • Nematode Infections / diagnosis
  • Nematode Infections / epidemiology
  • Nematode Infections / parasitology*
  • Nematode Infections / pathology
  • Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis
  • Nervous System Diseases / epidemiology
  • Nervous System Diseases / parasitology*
  • Nervous System Diseases / pathology
  • Spirurida Infections / parasitology
  • Strongyloides
  • Strongyloidiasis / parasitology
  • Toxocara
  • Toxocariasis / parasitology