A patient with cysticercosis has multiple ring-enhancing lesions on brain MRI. The definitive serological test used for confirmation is:
- A Casoni test
- B Enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) for Taenia solium antigens ✓
- C Indirect haemagglutination for Echinococcus
- D Complement fixation for Toxocara
Correct answer: B. Enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) for Taenia solium antigens
Explanation
The enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB), also called the Western blot with T. solium glycoprotein antigens, is the most specific serological test for neurocysticercosis; specificity approaches 100% and sensitivity is >90% for multiple vesicular lesions. Casoni test is for hydatid disease (Echinococcus); indirect haemagglutination (IHA) is also used for Echinococcus. Ring-enhancing lesions on MRI in an Indian patient should always raise suspicion for NCC.
Reference: Ananthanarayan & Paniker's Textbook of Microbiology, 11th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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