A 12-year-old boy from rural India presents with new-onset generalized seizures. CT shows multiple small calcified cortical lesions without edema, and one viable cyst showing a scolex. Serology is positive for specific IgG antibodies. The most likely causative agent is:

• A Toxoplasma gondii
• B Schistosoma japonicum
• C Echinococcus granulosus
• D Taenia solium ✓

Explanation

Neurocysticercosis caused by the larval stage of Taenia solium is the most common cause of epilepsy worldwide and a leading cause of new-onset seizures in endemic regions including India. The parenchymal vesicular cyst contains a scolex with hooklets, evolving to colloidal, granular, and finally calcified stages. Hydatid cysts of Echinococcus are solitary large unilocular lesions without a scolex, killing option C.

Reference: Park Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.