Cysticercosis
Cysticercosis is an infection by a parasite called Taenia solium (T solium). It is a pork tapeworm that creates cysts in different areas of the body.
Cysts
A cyst is a closed pocket or pouch of tissue. It can be filled with air, fluid, pus, or other material.
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 (fecal-oral transmission).
Improper hand washing
Washing your hands often during the day is an important way to help reduce the spread of germs and prevent illness. Learn when you should wash your ...
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.
Improper food preparation
Food poisoning occurs when you swallow food or water that contains bacteria, parasites, viruses, or the toxins made by these germs. Most cases are c...
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 occur depending on where the infection is found in the body:
- Brain -- seizures or symptoms similar to those of a brain tumor
Seizures
A seizure is the physical changes in behavior that occurs during an episode of specific types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term ...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticleBrain tumor
A primary brain tumor is a group (mass) of abnormal cells that start in the brain.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Eyes -- decreased vision or blindness
- Heart -- abnormal heart rhythms or heart failure (rare)
Abnormal heart rhythms
An arrhythmia is a disorder of the heart rate (pulse) or heart rhythm. The heart can beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregul...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticleHeart failure
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is no longer able to pump oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body efficiently. This causes symptom...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - 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
Antibodies
An antibody is a protein produced by the body's immune system when it detects harmful substances, called antigens. Examples of antigens include micr...
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Biopsy of the affected area
Biopsy
A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.
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CT scan, MRI scan, or x-rays to detect the lesion
CT
A computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body. Related tests include:Abdomin...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticleMRI
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the body. It does not us...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Articlex-rays
X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. An x-ray machine sends individual x-ray waves through the body. The images...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Spinal tap (lumbar puncture)
- Test in which an ophthalmologist looks inside 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
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Hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in part of the brain, often with increased pressure)
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is a buildup of fluid inside the skull that leads to the brain pushing against the skull. Hydrocephalus means "water on the brain. "...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - 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, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 325.
White AC, Cabada MM, Fischer PR. Cysticercosis. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 349.
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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: 12/31/2023
Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Associate in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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