Neurologic parasitic infections in immigrants and travelers

Semin Neurol. 2011 Jul;31(3):231-44. doi: 10.1055/s-0031-1287651. Epub 2011 Sep 30.

Abstract

Infectious diseases are increasingly common in modern clinical practice and the contemporary neurologist must be aware of the clinical manifestations, potential complications, and management of common travel-related infections. The authors provide an approach to patients who present with neurologic symptoms, with a history of travel to or residence in tropical and developing countries. Although many other infections are important in this demographic, they focus on three parasitic infections that neurologists may encounter: cerebral malaria, neuroschistosomiasis, and neurocysticercosis. The epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment are discussed for each infection.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Communicable Diseases / epidemiology
  • Communicable Diseases / parasitology*
  • Developing Countries
  • Emigration and Immigration*
  • Humans
  • Nervous System Diseases / epidemiology
  • Nervous System Diseases / etiology*
  • Nervous System Diseases / parasitology*
  • Parasites / pathogenicity
  • Parasitic Diseases / complications*
  • Travel*