Parasites are opportunistic organisms who live off of their host. Parasitic infections that result in brain infection are rare. Depending on the type of parasite, treatment will vary. A parasitic infection can often be the result of a compromised immune system. For example, people who are afflicted with HIV/AIDS suffer from toxoplasmosis, which can then lead to encephalitis of the brain.
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is a disease that usually occurs in individuals who have cats. The parasite Toxoplasma gondii spreads through infected stool and then to other hosts. Toxoplasmosis can be transferred from cats to humans, when a person changes a litter box and then touches her mouth afterward. You can also get toxoplasmosis by eating uncooked meat. Once the parasite travels to the brain, encephalitis, a serious brain infection, can occur. According to the Mayo Clinic, as a result of the infection, disorientation, seizures and the inability to walk or speak can occur.
Toxoplasmosis Cure
In many cases, toxoplasmosis may not require any treatment. However, if the infection is particularly acute, medication is required. An anti-malarial medication known as Pyrimethamine can be administered. An antibiotic, Sulfadiazine will also be prescribed with the Pyrimethazine. Pyrimethazine does have serious side effects such as possible liver poisoning and bone marrow suppression.
African Trypanosomiasis
Trypanosomiases are transferred to their hosts by the bite of a tsetse fly. Trypanosomiasis is also known as the sleeping sickness. Sleeping sickness usually occurs in regions where poverty is high and where medical care is scarce. There are two types of Trypanosomiasis. Trypanosomiasis brucei gambiense occurs in west and central Africa. Trypanosomiasis brucei rhodesiense occurs in eastern and southern Africa. Once an infection has crossed over to the brain, this is when symptoms such as confusion and poor coordination begin to manifest.
Trypanosomiasis Cure
Depending on the severity of the infection, different medications may be administered. According to the World Health Organization, the sooner the parasite is detected, the better the chances are for a cure. Medications used in the first stage of the infection (when the infected begins to experience fever, pain and headaches) will include Pentamidine and Suramin. Pentamidine is used for T.b. gambiense, while Suramin is used for T.b. rhodesiense. For the more serious infections, or second stage (when the infections begins to manifest complications), Melarsoprol and Elfornithine will be used. Eflornithine is used for T.b.gambiense, while Melarsopol is used for both types of Trypanosomiasis.
Neurocysticercosis
Pork tapeworms known as Taenia solium cause cysticercosis. Once the parasite enters the brain, the condition is known as neurocysticercosis. According to the Centers for Disease Control, neurocysticercosis occurs as a result of poor hygiene. When pigs in rural countries are free to roam, the parasite can travel from animal to a human host. Tapeworm eggs can spread by means of contaminated areas or through food and water. After the egg hatches within its host, the larvae can then travel throughout the body and eventually travel to the brain.
Neurocysticercosis Cure
Sometimes neurocysticercosis is not cured, unless it is severe. If the infection is severe, anti-parasitic medications can be administered in combination with anti-inflammatory drugs. If swelling of the brain occurs, surgery may be necessary to reduce problematic inflammation. Removal of the larvae may be necessary if symptoms of the infection, such as confusion, lack of coordination or seizures, occur.
Tags: brain infection, gambiense while, medications administered, Once parasite, such confusion