The traditional method of demonstrating either tapeworm eggs or proglottids in stool samples diagnoses only taeniasis, carriage of the tapeworm stage of the life cycle. Only a small minority of patients with<unk>  will harbor a tapeworm, rendering stool studies ineffective for diagnosis. Ophthalmic<unk>  can be diagnosed by visualizing parasite in eye by fundoscopy. In cases of human<unk> , diagnosis is a sensitive problem and requires biopsy of the infected tissue or sophisticated instruments. Taenia solium eggs and proglottids found in feces, ELISA, or polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis diagnose only taeniasis and not<unk> . Radiological tests, such as X-ray, CT scans which demonstrate "ring-enhancing brain lesions", and MRIs, can also be used to detect diseases. X-rays are used to identify calcified larvae in the subcutaneous and muscle tissues, and CT scans and MRIs are used to find lesions in the brain. Serological Antibodies to cysticerci can be demonstrated in serum by enzyme linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) assay and in CSF by ELISA. An immunoblot assay using lentil-lectin (agglutinin from Lens culinaris) is highly sensitive and specific. However, individuals with intracranial lesions and calcifications may be seronegative. In the CDC's immunoblot assay,<unk> -specific antibodies can react with structural glycoprotein antigens from the larval cysts of Taenia solium. However, this is mainly a research tool not widely available in clinical practice and nearly unobtainable in resource limited settings. Neurocysticercosis The diagnosis of neurocysticercosis is mainly clinical, based on a compatible presentation of symptoms and findings of imaging studies. Imaging Neuroimaging with CT or MRI is the most useful method of diagnosis. CT scan shows both calcified and uncalcified cysts, as well as distinguishing active and inactive cysts. Cystic lesions can show ring enhancement and focal enhancing lesions. Some cystic lesions, especially the ones in ventricles and subarachnoid space may not be visible on CT scan, since the cyst fluid is isodense with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Thus diagnosis of extraparenchymal cysts usually relies on signs like hydrocephalus or enhanced basilar meninges. In such cases CT scan with intraventricular contrast or MRI can be used. MRI is more sensitive in detection of intraventricular cysts. CSF CSF findings include pleocytosis, elevated protein levels and depressed glucose levels; but these may not be always present.
Cysticercosis
Neurocysticercosis
Granulomatous amoebic encephalitis
Meningeal syphilis
Sappinia amoebic encephalitis
Balamuthia infection
Amoebic brain abscess
Powassan encephalitis