Metacestode (larval) stages of zoonotic cestodes of medical and veterinary importance cause chronic infections associated with immunosuppression. During mouse model of cestode infection induced by larvae of Mesocestoides (M.) vogae, we investigated the effects of dialyzable leukocyte extract (DLE) containing low-molecular weight substances (under 10 kDa) prepared from peripheral blood leukocytes of healthy human donors (available under commercial name IMMODIN). In the experiment, the effects of DLE as adjuvant to anthelmintic albendazole (ABZ) as well ABZ mono-therapy were also investigated. We showed that DLE enhanced therapeutic effect of ABZ by significant reduction of parasites number in both biased sites. Furthermore, administration of DLE reduced fibrosis and concentrations of lipid peroxides in the liver and thereby showed cytoprotective effect. In contrast, higher hydroxyproline level and numbers of larvae enclosed in fibrous capsules were found in ABZ-treated group. In order to investigate whether DLE could affect parasite-induced immunosuppression, we evaluated selected immune parameters. The results showed that DLE administration to mice increased proliferation of concanavalin A stimulated splenic cells ex vivo. Similarly, in vitro study confirmed that DLE ameliorated hypo-responsiveness of T lymphocytes and partially reverted suppressive effect of parasites excretory-secretory products. In addition, flow cytometric analysis revealed higher numbers of T helper and NK cells in the spleen and peritoneal cavity of infected mice after DLE + ABZ therapy. We also found strongly reduced serum levels of TGF-β1 and IL-17 as well as modulation of cytokines associated with Th1/Th2 immunity. These results suggest that IMMODIN could serve as a suitable adjuvant to the primary anthelmintic therapy.

To characterize the frequency of neurocysticercosis, associated diagnostic codes, and place of infection, we searched Oregon\'s All Payer All-Claims dataset for 2010-2013. Twice as many cases were found by searching inpatient and outpatient data than by inpatient data alone. Studies relying exclusively on inpatient data underestimate frequency and miss less severe disease.

Neurocysticercosis, brain infection with Taenia solium larval cysts, causes substantial neurologic illness around the world. To assess the effect of neurocysticercosis in the United States, we reviewed hospitalization discharge data in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for 2003-2012 and found an estimated 18,584 hospitalizations for neurocysticercosis and associated hospital charges totaling >US $908 million. The risk for hospitalization was highest among Hispanics (2.5/100,000 population), a rate 35 times higher than that for the non-Hispanic white population. Nearly three-quarters of all hospitalized patients with neurocysticercosis were Hispanic. Male sex and age 20-44 years also incurred increased risk. In addition, hospitalizations and associated charges related to cysticercosis far exceeded those for malaria and were greater than for those for all other neglected tropical diseases combined. Neurocysticercosis is an increasing public health concern in the United States, especially among Hispanics, and costs the US health care system a substantial amount of money.

We report a case of Hymenolepis diminuta infection in a 2-year-old child living in a suburban area of Catania, Italy. This case was initially referred to us as Dipylidium caninum infection, which was not cured after being treated twice with mebendazole. However, by analyzing the clinical presentation and stool samples we arrived to the diagnosis of H. diminuta infection. The case presented with atypical allergic manifestations which had never been reported as clinical features of symptomatic H. diminuta infection; remittent fever with abdominal pain, diffuse cutaneous itching, transient thoracic rash, and arthromyalgias. The patient was treated with a 7-day cycle of oral niclosamide, which proved to be safe and effective. This case report emphasizes that a correct parasitological diagnosis requires adequate district laboratories and trained personnel. In addition, we recommend the importance of reporting all H. diminuta infection cases, in order to improve knowledge on epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment protocols.