Halicephalobiasis

Species: Halicephalobus gingivalis

Usual habitat: soil

Horses represent the most common target for infection.

Risk factors for infection:

(1) contact with soil, manure and horses

(2) immunodeficiency or immunosuppression

(3) skin laceration

(4) organ transplant from a donor with unexplained neurologic deterioration

The most common infection in humans is meningoencephalitis. Diagnosis is difficult. Eosinophils may be found in the CSF.

In horses the parasite can infect the heart, liver and other organs, so non-brain infections should be expected in humans.