Koret School of Veterinary Medicine 

Graduate students from the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem are studying key aspects of neurocysticercosis (NCC)—a preventable parasitic infection that is a major cause of seizures and epilepsy in our region.

 

Their work focuses on understanding how NCC triggers seizures by using pigs as a natural model of the disease, closely reflecting human infection. A central area of investigation is blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction: how disruption of the BBB may contribute to seizure activity and the development of epilepsy, and how advanced imaging methods can be used to quantify BBB impairment in both animals and people.

 

As part of our foundation’s holistic approach to reducing epilepsy in the region, we also assess the prevalence of NCC in humans and conduct community-based surveys of household and free-ranging pigs. Pigs are tested using Ag-ELISA to identify active infection. Mapping of positive cases in people and animals allows us to identify transmission “hotspots,” where targeted treatment protocols can be implemented to reduce ongoing spread of the parasite.

 

In addition to diagnosis and treatment, we run a door-to-door community education program, delivered with the support of local community health workers. This outreach focuses on practical prevention, early recognition, and community engagement—because controlling NCC requires both medical action and sustained public awareness.