Cysticercosis Antibody, CSF (Sendout)

Clinical Information: Cysticercosis is caused by infection with the larval form (cysticercus) of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. A negative test result does not exclude the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis, particularly if only a single brain lesion is present. Test sensitivity increases from 50% or less for a solitary brain cyst to greater than 90% if 3 or more cysts are present. Antibodies from other parasitic infection, particularly results by the cysticercus IgG antibody Western blot is thus recommended.

• Washington DOH Notifiable Conditions

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

Diagnosis of central nervous system infections can be accomplished by demonstrating the presence of intrathecally-produced specific antibody. Interpretation of results may be complicated by low antibody levels found in CSF, passive transfer of antibody from blood, and contamination via bloody taps. Antibodies to other parasitic infections, particularly echinococcosis, may crossreact in the cysticercus IgG ELISA. Confirmation of positive ELISA results by the cysticercus IgG antibody Western blot is thus recommended.

Collect 1 mL spinal fluid (CSF) in a sterile container.