Study 14 — Cost-Effectiveness of Neurocysticercosis Screening in Immigrants with New-Onset Seizures

Study 14 of the Hidden Infections research series. Neurocysticercosis (NCC) — caused by Taenia solium cysticerci in the CNS — is the most common preventable cause of epilepsy in endemic regions and is systematically under-screened in immigrants with new-onset seizures in high-income countries. This decision analysis models the cost-effectiveness of NCC serology at first presentation with unexplained seizures in immigrant populations from endemic regions. Key findings: NCC serology is a dominant strategy (more effective, lower cost than standard workup alone) at NCC prevalence >=3% in the screened population. At 5% prevalence — consistent with published estimates for Latin American, sub-Saharan African, and South Asian immigrant cohorts — the ICER is within accepted thresholds. Albendazole/praziquantel + corticosteroid treatment prevents cyst progression and reduces seizure recurrence. Group D: Clinical and economic modelling. CC0 public domain. AI-assisted draft pre-print.