Cysticercosis
A parasitic tissue infection causing seizures and nodules worldwide.
Cysticercosis is a tissue infection caused by the young form of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. It is acquired by ingesting tapeworm eggs from contaminated food or water, and it can affect muscles, the brain, eyes, and skin. In developing countries, it is a leading cause of seizures due to its neurological form, neurocysticercosis.
- field
- Infectious disease / Neglected tropical disease
- known_for
- Tissue infection caused by larval pork tapeworm; common cause of seizures in developing regions
- affected_regions
- Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America
- prevalence
- Up to 25% affected in some areas
- deaths_2015
- About 400 worldwide
Lore & Background
Cysticercosis develops after ingestion of Taenia solium eggs, which hatch into oncosphere larvae in the intestine, then enter the bloodstream and invade tissues. The larvae mature into cysticerci, which are translucent, ellipsoidal, and about 0.6 to 1.8 cm long. In the brain, cysts are usually 5–20 mm in diameter, but in subarachnoid spaces they can reach 6 cm. The disease can be asymptomatic for years, but subcutaneous lumps may appear, especially in Asia, and later become painful and resolve. Neurocysticercosis presents with seizures and headaches, and cysts in the ventricles can block cerebrospinal fluid flow, causing increased intracranial pressure.
Reader's Guide
Cysticercosis is a significant neglected tropical disease, particularly common in Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America, where up to 25% of people may be affected. It is a leading cause of seizures in developing countries. The infection is preventable through personal hygiene, sanitation, cooking pork thoroughly, and treating individuals with taeniasis (the adult tapeworm infection). Diagnosis of neurocysticercosis relies on CT or MRI imaging, which can show calcified and uncalcified cysts. Treatment for neurocysticercosis may involve praziquantel or albendazole, often with steroids and anti-seizure medications. Surgery is sometimes needed to remove cysts. The disease also affects pigs and cows, but rarely causes symptoms. The International Task Force for Disease Eradication has deemed cysticercosis potentially eradicable, as humans and pigs are the only reservoirs. Multilateral intervention—treating both human and pig populations—is proposed for eradication.
Did You Know?
- Cysticercosis is caused by the larval form of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium.
- In developing countries, neurocysticercosis is one of the most common causes of seizures.
- Subcutaneous cysts are firm, mobile nodules that occur mainly on the trunk and extremities.
- The disease can be prevented by cooking pork well, proper sanitation, and improved access to clean water.
More in Common Infections And Diseases 1-21
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