Boulenouar Mesraoua
Weill Cornell Medical College, Qatar
Title: Clinical presentation and epidemiology of neurocysticercosis in Qatar and the region
Biography
Biography: Boulenouar Mesraoua
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the parasitic infection of the central nervous system by the larval stage of the tapeworm Taenia solium, through fecal oral infestation. It is endemic to many developing countries, with high prevalence noted in Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, and South East Asia. Pigs are the intermediate hosts for this parasite; therefore historically the disease was non-existent in Muslim countries where raising or consuming pork is unlikely. However, clinical experience from the neurology service at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) ,Doha, Qatar identifi es NCC as a common reason for neurological consultation. The resurgence of this disease in Qatar and other countries in the Arabian Peninsula is related most likely to immigration from endemic countries. Th e present study describes the clinical presentation of NCC as well as its epidemiology aspects in Qatar and the region and the financial burden of NCC on the society overall.