Baylisascaris procyonis-Associated Meningoencephalitis in a Previously Healthy Adult, California, USA

Abstract

After severe neurocognitive decline developed in an otherwise healthy 63-year-old man, brain magnetic resonance imaging showed eosinophilic meningoencephalitis and enhancing lesions. The patient tested positive for antibodies to Baylisascaris spp. roundworms, was treated with albendazole and dexamethasone, and showed improvement after 3 months. Baylisascariasis should be considered for all patients with eosinophilic meningitis.

Keywords: Baylisascaris procyonis; California; United States; baylisascariasis; encephalitis; eosinophilia; eosinophilic meningitis; helminths; intestinal parasite; meningitis; meningoencephalitis; nematode; parasite; raccoon; roundworm; zoonoses.