This is an automatically translated article.
The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Vo Thi Thuy Trang - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.Parasitic brain infection is currently a serious health problem taking place in many countries, including Vietnam. The cause of this condition is infection with helminths or other parasites on the human central nervous system, so it should be detected early to avoid dangerous consequences.
1. Parasitic infections in the brain
Usually, in families with pets or pets such as dogs and cats, the rate of infection with worms or other parasites is very high, especially parasitic infection in the brain. The reason is explained that on the body of animals such as dogs and cats, there are many species of parasites that cause diseases for humans, of which the most dangerous is roundworm.Canine roundworm is also known as Toxocara according to the scientific name, cylindrical body as long as a wand and very small in size. Toxocariasis is parasitic in the intestines of dogs and cats and spreads the disease in the feces of other species. These animals are released into the environment. In addition to the fact that this parasite is released into the environment to cause disease, when hugging and stroking dogs and cats, it will also cause the body to become infected with helminths.
After entering the human body, these pathogenic parasites migrate to many parts of its host such as the liver, lungs, and especially to the brain, one of the only organs in the body. extremely important cause of parasitic infections in the brain. The main symptoms of this pathological condition are fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, fever, itching, rash,... Or there are cases where the patient does not appear to have any clinical manifestations, just When the test was performed, the patient's serum was positive for parasites. The neurological symptoms of parasitic infections in the brain are also very easily confused with other neurological diseases, so finding the cause is extremely important to get the most accurate treatment.
Việc ôm, vuốt ve những loài chó, mèo cũng sẽ khiến cơ thể nhiễm giun sán.
2. Meningitis caused by parasites
In the group of parasitic infections in the brain, meningitis is the most common disease, when the protective membrane of the central nervous system including the brain and spinal cord is infected with helminths. Parasitic meningitis is considered one of the main causes of eosinophilic meningitis.The cause of the disease is also known, similar to other helminth infections, which is because the patient is infected with parasites in the process of eating and drinking food that has not been cooked and has pathogens outside. in, or through direct contact with, animals such as dogs, cats, or their droppings.
Parasitic species that often cause meningitis are angiocysts, gnathostomiasis, schistosomiasis, dog and cat worms, lung flukes,... Typical clinical symptoms of parasitic meningitis that is fever, headache, especially in the frontal lobe, occipital lobe or temporal lobe, headache that is not relieved when the patient takes pain relievers, pain is worse at night; nausea, vomiting; limb paresthesia; the patient's neck and nape are always in a state of pain and fatigue; Some patients also experience neck stiffness.
Some other symptoms occur due to affecting other organs such as double vision because of the affected oculomotor nerve, impaired vision, weak limbs,... More dangerous is if not detected. When the patient has fallen into a serious medical condition, he may experience coma, death,...
Besides clinical examination, asking about epidemiological factors also plays a very important role. important in guiding the diagnosis of helminthic infections. Commonly ordered laboratory tests are peripheral blood cytology for possible eosinophilia, serological tests for positive parasites, and cerebrospinal fluid testing. The marrow was found to have antiparasitic antibodies and increased eosinophils. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography of the brain can also help doctors see signs of meningitis.
The most effective treatment for parasitic meningitis is the use of antiparasitic drugs. In addition, prevention is also very important because it helps patients avoid risk factors as well as favorable conditions for parasites to enter the patient's body.
Some notes that sick people need to change in their daily activities to prevent the disease are not eating raw food that has not been washed or processed cleanly. If you have a dog/cat, you need to have the right care such as regular bathing, do not let them eat raw meat because it will easily introduce parasites into the intestines, fully vaccinate pets, treat dog feces. /cat properly, wash hands thoroughly before and after contact with dogs/cats and during eating and drinking.
Viêm màng não do ký sinh trùng được xem là một trong những nguyên nhân chính dẫn đến tình trạng viêm màng não tăng bạch cầu ái toàn.
3. Conclusion
Parasitic meningitis is a life-threatening disease or severe sequelae. You need to keep a very healthy and clean living environment to prevent disease and if you have any suspicious signs, you should immediately go to a reputable medical facility for diagnosis and treatment. Vinmec Hospital is the leading prestigious address with modern facilities and a team of experienced experts.Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.
