|
| Diagnostic criteria | |
|
| Absolute | |
| (i) Histologic demonstration of the parasite from biopsy of a brain or spinal cord lesion. | |
| (ii) Evidence of cystic lesions showing the scolex on neuroimaging studies. | |
| (iii) Direct visualization of subretinal parasites by fundoscopic examination. | |
| (iv) Spontaneous resolution of small single enhancing lesions. | |
|
| Major | |
| (i) Evidence of lesions highly suggestive of neurocysticercosis on neuroimaging studies. | |
| (ii) Positive serum immunoblot for the detection of anticysticercal antibodies. | |
| (iii) Resolution of intracranial cystic lesions after therapy with albendazole or praziquantel. | |
|
| Minor | |
| (i) Evidence of lesions suggestive of neurocysticercosis on neuroimaging studies. | |
| (ii) Presence of clinical manifestations suggestive of neurocysticercosis. | |
| (iii) Positive CSF ELISA for detection of anticysticercal antibodies or cysticercal antigens. | |
| (iv) Evidence of cysticercosis outside the central nervous system. | |
|
| Epidemiologic | |
| (i) Individuals coming from or living in an area where cysticercosis is endemic. | |
| (ii) History of frequent travel to disease-endemic areas. | |
| (iii) Evidence of household a contact with T. solium infection. | |
|
| Degrees of diagnostic certainty | |
|
| Definitive | |
| (i) Presence of one absolute criterion. | |
| (ii) Presence of two major plus one minor or one epidemiologic criteria. | |
|
| Probable | |
| (i) Presence of one major plus two minor criteria. | |
| (ii) Presence of one major plus one minor and one epidemiologic criteria. | |
| (iii) Presence of three minor plus one epidemiologic criteria. | |
|
