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Cerebral Schistosomiasis — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

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HardParasitologyCerebral SchistosomiasisSCE Infectious Diseases

A patient with Schistosoma japonicum infection develops seizures and multiple enhancing cortical granulomatous lesions. Which complication and treatment principle fit best?

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Correct answer: CCerebral schistosomiasis requiring specialist praziquantel-based therapy with corticosteroids for inflammatory oedema with review after review if needed

The best answer is “Cerebral schistosomiasis requiring specialist praziquantel-based therapy with corticosteroids for inflammatory oedema with review after review if needed”. S. japonicum has a recognised cerebral predilection; antiparasitic treatment can intensify inflammation, making specialist steroid co-treatment important. “CNS lymphoma requiring immediate radiotherapy” does not match the decisive clinical feature or cited guidance. “Cerebral malaria despite no parasitaemia” does not match the decisive clinical feature or cited guidance. “Toxoplasmosis diagnosed solely by ring enhancement” does not match the decisive clinical feature or cited guidance. “Neurocysticercosis because all helminthic brain lesions are Taenia” does not match the decisive clinical feature or cited guidance.

Reference: WHO schistosomiasis fact sheet: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/schistosomiasis