Human cysticercosis is a potentially fatal invasion of various tissues by the larvae of Taenia solium. The disease has increased dramatically in prominence as a medical problem in the United States since 1977. Increased travel and immigration from highly endemic areas such as Mexico and Central America make recognition and treatment of cysticercosis a U.S. public health priority. This invention is a method and a kit for diagnosing active human neurocysticercosis utilizing an immunoblot assay. This method allows diagnosis of neurocysticercosis by the detection of antigens of larval origin and improves on the specificity and sensitivity of the disc method, achieving 98% sensitivity and 100% specificity. This kit also allows the detection of antibodies in the serum or cerebrospinal fluid.  

Inventors: Victor Tsang, Joy Brand, Anne Boyer, Marianna Wilson, Peter Schantz, and Shirley Maddison

CDC Reference Number: E-185-88/1

USPTO Serial Number: 

Patent Number: 5,354,660