A 7-year-old previously well child presents with two generalized seizures. MRI shows a single viable cystic lesion in the right parietal cortex with a hyperintense eccentric dot and surrounding edema. Serology for Taenia solium is positive. What is the drug of choice for treating the cystic lesion itself?
- A Praziquantel
- B Niclosamide
- C Albendazole ✓
- D Ivermectin
Correct answer: C. Albendazole
Explanation
For neurocysticercosis, albendazole is the preferred anthelmintic because it achieves better and more sustained cysticidal levels within the cyst fluid than praziquantel, and corticosteroids are co-administered to blunt inflammation from dying cysts. Niclosamide treats adult intestinal tapeworm infection but does not penetrate cysts. Ivermectin targets nematodes and ectoparasites and has no activity against cestode larval tissue. Single small lesions often require only anticonvulsants, but when therapy is given, albendazole remains first line.
Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.