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Cysticercosis

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Digestive system organs
Digestive system organs

Definition    Return to top

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    Return to top

Cysticercosis 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.

Symptoms    Return to top

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

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

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Tests that may be done include:

Treatment    Return to top

Treatment may involve:

If the cyst is in the eye or the brain, steroids may be started a few days before other medicines to avoid problems caused by swelling during antiparasitic treatment.

Sometimes surgery may be needed to remove the infected area.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

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

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

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

Prevention    Return to top

Avoid unclean foods, don't eat uncooked foods while traveling, and always wash fruits and vegetables well.

Update Date: 1/22/2008

Updated by: Kenneth M. Wener, MD, Department of Infectious Diseases, Lahey Clinic, Burlington, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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