Unusual form of neurocysticercosis associated with HIV infection

Eur J Neurol. 2004 Jan;11(1):55-8. doi: 10.1046/j.1351-5101.2003.00696.x.

Abstract

Concurrent infection with Taenia solium and HIV would be expected to occur more frequently because of the increasing frequency of HIV infection in endemic areas of cysticercosis. However, little is known about the influence of HIV infection on the frequency and the clinical course of cysticercosis. Giant cysts and racemose forms of neurocysticercosis seem to be more frequent in HIV-infected patients and may be secondary to an uncontrolled parasitic growth because of an impaired cell-mediated immune response. We report an unusual case of epidural spinal racemose neurocysticercosis revealed by compression of cauda equina in an HIV-infected man and discuss the potential interactions between T. solium and HIV infections.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / complications
  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / parasitology*
  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / pathology
  • Albendazole / therapeutic use
  • Animals
  • Anthelmintics / therapeutic use
  • Brain / pathology
  • Cysts / drug therapy
  • Cysts / pathology
  • Epidural Space / parasitology
  • Epidural Space / pathology
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurocysticercosis / complications*
  • Neurocysticercosis / drug therapy
  • Neurocysticercosis / pathology
  • Polyradiculopathy / complications*
  • Polyradiculopathy / parasitology

Substances

  • Anthelmintics
  • Albendazole