Clinical evolution of cerebral coenurosis from invasive to chronic infection in sheep and a goat

J Infect Dev Ctries. 2016 Oct 31;10(10):1151-1155. doi: 10.3855/jidc.8719.

Abstract

This survey describes the evolution in vivo of Coenurus cerebralis in small ruminants. At presentation, neurological signs and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) features were suggestive of multifocal or diffuse inflammatory reaction. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) captured the transition between the invasive and quiescent phase of the infection, revealing the concurrent presence of meningitis and small cysts. During the quiescent phase, in all animals, neurological symptoms disappeared, and cerebrospinal fluid was unremarkable while cysts grew progressively. Subsequently, the onset of neurological symptoms coincided with MRI signs of diffuse or localized increase of intracranial pressure, as confirmed by direct intracranial pressure measuring. All the animals had an excellent post-surgical recovery. This is the first report describing the evolution of coenurosis in vivo. Sequential imaging allowed describing interesting such as the death of some coenuri and different parasite growth rate in the same host.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Central Nervous System Parasitic Infections / diagnostic imaging
  • Central Nervous System Parasitic Infections / pathology
  • Central Nervous System Parasitic Infections / surgery
  • Central Nervous System Parasitic Infections / veterinary*
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid / cytology
  • Cestode Infections / diagnostic imaging
  • Cestode Infections / pathology*
  • Cestode Infections / surgery
  • Goat Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Goat Diseases / pathology*
  • Goat Diseases / surgery
  • Goats
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Sheep
  • Sheep Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Sheep Diseases / pathology*
  • Sheep Diseases / surgery
  • Surgical Procedures, Operative
  • Treatment Outcome