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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
immunology and microbiology
Cysticercosis: Imported and autochthonous infections in Kuwait
Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Volume 98, No. 4, Year 2004
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Description
Intracerebral and non-central nervous system (non-CNS) cysticercosis caused by the larval pork tapeworm Taenia solium was diagnosed in patients in an Islamic state. The mode of transmission and challenges in diagnosis are highlighted. Sixteen patients with neurocysticercosis and six with non-CNS lesions were diagnosed by imaging studies (computerized tomography [CT]/magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) and serology (ELISA and/or enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot assay [EITB]). Four of 55 family members, including servants, tested for antibodies were positive by the EITB and ELISA. Only one of these sera tested for antibodies to adult T. solium was positive: that of the cook, the probable source of the infection. We postulate a similar mode of transmission in the other Kuwaitis. Evaluation of several commercially available ELISA kits showed they were of poor specificity. Even in countries where pork consumption is proscribed by religious laws, physicians should include cysticercosis in their differential diagnosis in patients with neurological symptoms or non-CNS lesions, especially in non-endemic countries with a large expatriate population such as Kuwait. In children particularly, and in this region, suspected tuberculous lesions on CT must be investigated to rule out cysticerci by a more diligent use of the sensitive and specific EITB assay. Failure to understand the local epidemiology leads to empirical, inappropriate and prolonged therapy for chronic disease. © 2003 Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Authors & Co-Authors
Hira, Parsotam Ravjee
Kuwait, Kuwait City
Kuwait University
Francis, Issam M.
Kuwait, Kuwait City
Kuwait University
Abdella, Nabila Ahmed
Kuwait, Kuwait City
Kuwait University
Gupta, Renu K.
Kuwait, Kuwait City
Kuwait University
al-Ali, Faiza M.
Kuwait, Safat
Farwania Hospital
Grover, Saroj Bala
Kuwait, Safat
Infectious Diseases Hospital Kuwait
Khalid, Nabila
Kuwait, Kuwait City
Kuwait University
Abdeen, S. M.
Kuwait, Kuwait City
Kuwait University
Iqbal, Jamshaid R.
Kuwait, Kuwait City
Kuwait University
Wilson, Marianna
United States, Atlanta
National Center for Infectious Diseases
Tsang, Victor C.W.
United States, Atlanta
National Center for Infectious Diseases
Statistics
Citations: 53
Authors: 11
Affiliations: 4
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1016/S0035-9203(03)00061-0
ISSN:
00359203
Research Areas
Health System And Policy
Maternal And Child Health
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study