Rapid Review: Worms and Cestodes

Reviewed February 2024

Sample Question:

A 61-year-old man with hypertension is brought to the emergency department 20 minutes after having a generalized tonic–clonic seizure. He has had recurrent headaches over the past 6 months. He frequently travels throughout South America, where he swims in fresh water and eats street food, including meat and fish. He most recently traveled to Ecuador 9 months ago. On physical examination, his temperature is 37.0°C, heart rate is 89 bpm, respiratory rate is 17 breaths/minute, and blood pressure is 159/93 mm Hg. He is confused and disoriented. His neurological examination is notable for hyperreflexia. On a CT scan of the head with contrast, multiple small, cystic lesions are observed, as shown above. Which of the following is the most likely causal organism of this patient’s condition?