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Cysticercosis is an infection by a parasite called Taenia solium (T. solium), a pork tapeworm, that creates cysts in different areas in the body.
See also: Teniasis
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsCysticercosis is caused by swallowing eggs from T. solium, which are found in contaminated food. Autoinfection is when a person is already infected with adult T. solium, then swallows eggs following improper hand washing after a bowel movement.
Risk factors include eating pork, fruits, and vegetables contaminated with T. solium as a result of unhealthy cooking preparation. The disease can also be spread by contact with infected people or fecal matter.
The disease is rare in the United States, but is common in many developing countries.
SymptomsMost often, the worms stay in muscles and do not cause symptoms.
Symptoms that do occur depend on where the infection is found:
- Brain lesions can result in seizures or symptoms similar to those of a brain tumor.
- Eye lesions can cause decreased vision or blindness.
- Heart lesions can lead to abnormal heart rhythms or heart failure (rare).
- Spine lesions can lead to weakness or changes in walking.
Tests that may be done include:
- Blood tests to detect antibodies to the parasite
- Biopsy of the affected area
- CT scan, MRI scan, or x-rays to detect the lesion
- Spinal tap (lumbar puncture)
Treatment may involve:
- Medications to kill the parasites (antiparasitic treatments)
- Powerful anti-inflammatories (steroids) to reduce swelling
If the cyst is in the eye or the brain, steroids should be started a few days before other medicines to avoid problems caused by swelling during antiparasitic treatment. Not all patients benefit from antiparastic treatment.
Sometimes surgery may be needed to remove the infected area.
Expectations (prognosis)The outlook is generally good, unless the lesion has caused blindness, heart failure, or brain damage. These are rare complications.
Complications- Blindness, decreased vision
- Heart failure or abnormal rhythm
- Seizures, increased pressure in the brain
If you have any symptoms of cysticercosis, contact your health care provider.
PreventionAvoid unclean foods, don't eat uncooked foods while traveling, and always wash fruits and vegetables well.
ReferencesKraft R. Cysticercosis: an emerging parasitic disease. Am Fam Physician. 2007 Jul 1;76(1):91-6.
King CH. Cestode infections. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 375.
What else can I help you with?
What is cystercercosis?
Cysticercosis, or neurocysticercosis, is the most common parasitic infestation of the central nervous system worldwide.[1] Humans develop cysticercosis when they ingest eggs or larvae of the tapeworm Taenia solium. The eggs and larvae are usually found in fecally-contaminated water and undercooked pork.
Can dog get hydatid cyst?
Yes, dogs can get cysticercosis. It can cause aggressive behavior if the organism has localized to the brain, and can be mistaken for rabies infection.
What are the key differences between Taenia solium and Taenia saginata in terms of their characteristics and impact on human health?
Taenia solium and Taenia saginata are both types of tapeworms that infect humans, but they have some key differences. Taenia solium, also known as the pork tapeworm, is primarily found in pigs and can be transmitted to humans through the consumption of undercooked pork. This tapeworm can cause cysticercosis, a serious condition where the larvae form cysts in the body tissues, including the brain, leading to neurological symptoms. On the other hand, Taenia saginata, or the beef tapeworm, is found in cattle and can be transmitted to humans through the consumption of undercooked beef. While Taenia saginata can also cause symptoms such as abdominal pain and weight loss, it does not typically lead to cysticercosis like Taenia solium. In summary, the key differences between Taenia solium and Taenia saginata lie in their sources of infection, with Taenia solium being associated with pork and causing cysticercosis, while Taenia saginata is associated with beef and does not typically lead to cysticercosis.
What is the prognosis for a patient with tapeworm disease?
Serious problems from tapeworm infections occur when tapeworm eggs are consumed and the larvae localize in tissues outside the digestive tract (cysticercosis). Prompt diagnosis and treatment of this condition is necessary.
What is the longest scientific name?
The longest scientific name is Parastratiosphecomyia stratiosphecomyioides, also known as the soldier fly.
Phyla have the most species that parasitize humans?
The phylum with the most species that parasitize humans is Platyhelminthes, specifically the class Trematoda (flukes) and the class Cestoda (tapeworms). These parasites can cause diseases such as schistosomiasis and cysticercosis in humans.
How many diseases caused by flatworms?
Flatworms can cause various diseases in humans, including schistosomiasis, cysticercosis, and fascioliasis. These diseases can result from the parasitic activity of different types of flatworms and can affect various organs and systems in the body, leading to a range of symptoms and health complications.
What part of man's body does taenia solium live?
Taenia solium Adult worms live in human small intestine causing taeniasis. The larval stage (Cysticercus cellulose) lives in pig or human tissues causing human cysticercosis. I'd say the small intestine. But, that's just from a quick google, I didn't look much.
Can tapeworms cause seizures in dogs?
Possibly, but only in advanced infestations. Tapeworms are Cesstoda, which means that they are parasitic flatworms adapted to live in the digestive tracts of animals. Tapeworms feed off of the nutrients that your dog gets from food. If the worm releases eggs into your dog's system and they get carried into the bloodstream, a condition called Cysticercosis can result. There is often an immune response to the embryonic cycsts-- which can cause seizures. Your veterinarian can tell you more.
Does tapeworm show up in a ct scan?
Yes, tapeworms can be detected on a CT scan, particularly if they have formed cysts in the organs, such as the liver or brain, which is indicative of a condition known as cysticercosis. However, the tapeworm itself may not be visible, as CT scans are more effective at showing the lesions or complications caused by the infection rather than the worm itself. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of imaging studies and laboratory tests.
This worm has a larval form called a bladder worm?
A bladder worm is a larval form of a tapeworm that can develop in the muscles of animals, including humans. When an animal ingests contaminated food or water, the larvae can hatch and migrate to different tissues, forming fluid-filled cysts known as bladder worms. In humans, bladder worms can cause a condition called cysticercosis, which may lead to symptoms ranging from mild to severe depending on the location of the cysts.
Roundworm associated with undercooked pork?
Taenia solium is an intestinal infection with adult tapeworms that follows ingestion of contaminated pork.And cysticercosis is infection with larvae of T. solium, which develops after ingestion of ova excreted in human feces. Wash your hands when working with food and after you have a BM!Adult tapeworms may reside in the small bowel for years. They reach 2 to 7 m in length and produce up to 1000 proglottids; each contains about 50,000 eggs.
