Disseminated human neurocysticercosis. A morphologic analysis of two cases.

This study was based on two cases of disseminated human neurocysticercosis from India. The material available was examined grossly, and by light microscopy, histochemistry, immunomorphology and electron microscopy. The results showed that the parasites commonly embolized to the anatomically discernable gray-white matter junction of the brain and were located in cavities, the walls of which were dilated vascular channels. The parasite-nutrition process was through endocytosis and microtrichal activity. To camouflage themselves from the host-defense mechanisms, the parasites apparently covered themselves with host-tissue-like material. Host reactivity to the parasite was heralded morphologically by the physical anchoring of the parasite by activated endothelial cells, loss of the host-tissue-like cover and an acute polymorphonuclear leucocytic response.