Serum Proteomic Predictors of Calcification of Solitary Cysticercus Granuloma.

Solitary cysticercus granulomas (SCG), prevalent among Indian patients with new-onset seizures, either resolve completely or transform into calcified granulomas. This study aimed to identify serum proteins through liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry that could predict calcification of SCGs in 20 patients with SCG with at least 6-months of follow-up. At a median follow-up of 14 months, the SCG had calcified (n = 5), resolved (n = 11), or persisted (n = 4).

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.

Correlation between Monocyte Gene Expression and Inflammation on Brain Imaging in Patients with Solitary Cerebral Cysticercus Granuloma.

Prior work has shown that 14 monocyte genes are upregulated in patients with different forms of parenchymal neurocysticercosis, including solitary cysticercus granuloma (SCG). The aim of this study was to investigate whether changes in inflammation associated with SCG seen on follow-up brain imaging are also reflected in changes in expression of these 14 genes. Peripheral blood CD14+ monocytes were isolated from 20 patients with SCG at initial diagnosis and at clinical and imaging follow-up of 6 months or more.

Monocyte Gene Expression Distinguishes Enhancing Brain Parenchymal Cysticercal Granulomas From Tuberculomas.

Background: In patients with enhancing brain parenchymal lesions, parenchymal neurocysticercosis (pNCC) is often difficult to distinguish from tuberculoma, necessitating biopsy or empirical therapy.

Methods: In a prospective study, peripheral blood monocytes were isolated from patients with definitive pNCC (n = 39) and brain tuberculomas (n = 20). Patients with tuberculomas were diagnosed by the presence of concurrent systemic tuberculosis (n = 7), pathological or bacteriological confirmation (n = 5), and resolution of typical brain lesions following a therapeutic trial of antituberculous therapy (n = 8).

Imaging correlates of serum enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) positivity in patients with parenchymal neurocysticercosis: results from 521 patients.

Background: The presence of perilesional edema among patients with parenchymal neurocysticercosis (pNCC) of various lesion subtypes has not been correlated with results of serum enzyme-linked immunotransfer blot (EITB) for cysticercal antibodies.

Methods: In total, 521 patients with pNCC were classified into solitary cysticercus granuloma (SCG), multiple lesions, at least one of which was an enhancing granuloma (GMNCC), solitary calcified cysticercal lesion (SCC) and multiple calcified cysticercal lesions (CMNCC). The proportion of EITB positivity among each lesion subtype and its association with perilesional edema were determined.