HUMAN COENUROSIS IN NORTH-AMERICA - CASE-REPORTS AND REVIEW

Coenurosis is a zoonotic disease of humans caused by the larval stage of Taenia (Multiceps) species. In North America, the adult tapeworm of Taenia (Multiceps) serialis is found in canids. The cystic larval for ms (coenuri) are found in hares, rabbits, squirrels, and, rarely, in h umans. We review in clinical detail the fifth case reported from North America, involving a child with extensive central nervous system invo lvement. We also report a sixth case, involving an adult with an intra muscular coenurus. The latter case was diagnosed by needle aspiration of the cyst. Although praziquantel administration may have been effect ive in killing the parasite in both patients, we are concerned about t he production of marked inflammation as a result of treatment. The fou r other North American cases are reviewed, and the epidemiology of the infection in animals is discussed.