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Cysticercosis

 

Cysticercosis is an infection by a parasite called Taenia solium ( T solium ). It is a pork tapeworm that creates cysts in different areas in the body.

Causes

Cysticercosis is caused by swallowing eggs from T solium . The eggs are found in contaminated food. Autoinfection is when a person who is already infected with adult T solium swallows its eggs. This occurs due to improper hand washing after a bowel movement.

Risk factors include eating pork, fruits, and vegetables contaminated with T solium as a result of undercooking or improper food preparation. The disease can also be spread by contact with infected feces.

The disease is rare in the United States. It is common in many developing countries.

Symptoms

 

Most often, the worms stay in muscles and do not cause symptoms.

Symptoms that do occur depend on where the infection is found in the body:

  • Brain: Seizures or symptoms similar to those of a brain tumor
  • Eyes: Decreased vision or blindness
  • Heart: Abnormal heart rhythms or heart failure (rare)
  • Spine: Weakness or changes in walking due to damage to nerves in the spine

 

Exams and Tests

 

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)
  • Test in which an ophthalmologist looks inside the fundus of the eye

 

Treatment

 

Treatment may involve:

  • Medicines to kill the parasites, such as albendazole or praziquantel
  • Powerful anti-inflammatories (steroids) to reduce swelling

If the cyst is in the eye or brain, steroids should be started a few days before other medicines to avoid problems caused by swelling during antiparasitic treatment. Not all people benefit from antiparasitic treatment.

Sometimes, surgery may be needed to remove the infected area.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

The outlook is good, unless the lesion has caused blindness, heart failure, or brain damage. These are rare complications.

 

Possible Complications

 

Complications may include:

  • Blindness, decreased vision
  • Heart failure or abnormal heart rhythm
  • Hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in part of the brain, often with increased pressure)
  • Seizures

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

If you have any symptoms of cysticercosis, contact your health care provider.

 

Prevention

 

Avoid unwashed foods, do not eat uncooked foods while traveling, and always wash fruits and vegetables well.

 

 

References

White AC, Brunetti E. Cestodes. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 354.

White AC, Fischer PR. Cysticerosis. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St Geme JW III, Schor NF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 303.

 
  • Digestive system organs - illustration

    The digestive system organs in the abdominal cavity include the liver, gallbladder, stomach, small intestine and large intestine.

    Digestive system organs

    illustration

    • Digestive system organs - illustration

      The digestive system organs in the abdominal cavity include the liver, gallbladder, stomach, small intestine and large intestine.

      Digestive system organs

      illustration


     

    Review Date: 12/10/2015

    Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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