Host-parasite relationship in human cysticercosis
Mahmood, S.A.; Thomas, J.A.
Indian Journal of Medical Research 80: 532-540
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5340 PMID: 6530268 Document Number: 231920
In an 18-year period in India 37,965 biopsies and 247 autopsies examined showed 41 (0.11%) cysticerci in 40 patients at biopsy and 2 patients (0.81%) with cerebral cysticercosis at autopsy. The age and sex distribution of patients is tabulated. A preponderance of females (23) over males (19) was observed with a predeliction to the 21- to 30-year age-group. Characterization of host-tissue response suggests that the initial response was macrophagic with lymphocytes and plasma cells which gradually became epitheloid in character. The changes in the parasite are also described. The correlation between the site, clinical symptoms, stage of host-tissue response, parasite vacuole count and parasite bilaminate external limiting membrane status in 10 representative cases is tabulated. The cysticercus appears to be capable of growing in host tissues without being recognized as foreign.