Natural History and Long-Term Outcomes of Treated Neurocysticercosis Study of Clinical and Biological Factors Affecting Disease Course

What this Trial Is About

Neurocysticercosis is a brain infection caused by the larval stage of the pork tapeworm (Taenia solium). It can affect different parts of the brain, causing symptoms like seizures, headaches, chronic headaches, meningitis, hydrocephalus, stroke, and sometimes requiring surgery. This research aims to understand how the disease progresses during and after treatment, focusing on clinical, biological, and management factors that affect long-term outcomes. The study also explores host-parasite interactions and develops new diagnostic tools and biomarkers related to the infection. Participants receive treatment with anthelmintic drugs such as praziquantel and/or albendazole, along with anti-inflammatory medications, depending on the type of neurocysticercosis they have. The study follows patients during and after their treatment, collecting clinical information, survey responses, and biological samples including blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid when clinically obtained. The goal is to better characterize the disease course and response to treatment over time. During the study, researchers monitor clinical symptoms, imaging features, immune responses, and laboratory markers to understand disease activity and treatment effects. They collect samples for biobanking and advanced testing, including genetic and immune profiling. Participants are followed both in the short term and long term to track their health outcomes. The study includes patients aged 3 to 99 years and involves ongoing evaluation to improve diagnosis and management of neurocysticercosis.

Natural History of Treated Neurocysticercosis and Long-Term Outcomes