Cysticercosis
Cysticercosis is an infection caused by the young form (larvae) of a tapeworm (Taenia solium) that can be found in pork. When eggs from this tapeworm are consumed, the eggs develop into larvae inside of the body. Larvae can spread through the body to areas such as the eyes, skin, muscle tissue, heart, and brain. When cysticercosis occurs the brain, the condition is called neurocysticercosis. Severe infections in the brain can be life-threatening.
CAUSES
This condition is caused by swallowing eggs that come from the stool a person who is infected with the adult form of the Taenia solium tapeworm. This can happen when you consume contaminated food, often vegetables, or contaminated water. This can also happen when you put contaminated fingers in your mouth.
People who are infected with the adult form of the tapeworm have a condition called taeniasis. Taeniasis is an intestinal infection typically caused by eating undercooked pork that contains Taenia solium larvae inside of sacs (cysts) within the pig’s …show more content…
• Living in a household with someone who has a pork tapeworm infection.
• Eating food prepared by someone with a pork tapeworm infection.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms vary depending on the location and number of cysts in your body. Symptoms typically begin months to years after infection and commonly occur when the cysts are in the process of dying.
• Cysts in the muscles usually do not cause symptoms. In some cases, you may be able to feel lumps under your skin.
• Cysts in the brain are most common and cause abnormalities in the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). Symptoms may include:
○ Seizures.
○ Headaches.
○ Confusion.
○ Lack of attention to people and surroundings.
○ Difficulty with balance.
○ Buildup of fluid in the brain
Cysticercosis is an infection caused by the young form (larvae) of a tapeworm (Taenia solium) that can be found in pork. When eggs from this tapeworm are consumed, the eggs develop into larvae inside of the body. Larvae can spread through the body to areas such as the eyes, skin, muscle tissue, heart, and brain. When cysticercosis occurs the brain, the condition is called neurocysticercosis. Severe infections in the brain can be life-threatening.
CAUSES
This condition is caused by swallowing eggs that come from the stool a person who is infected with the adult form of the Taenia solium tapeworm. This can happen when you consume contaminated food, often vegetables, or contaminated water. This can also happen when you put contaminated fingers in your mouth.
People who are infected with the adult form of the tapeworm have a condition called taeniasis. Taeniasis is an intestinal infection typically caused by eating undercooked pork that contains Taenia solium larvae inside of sacs (cysts) within the pig’s …show more content…
• Living in a household with someone who has a pork tapeworm infection.
• Eating food prepared by someone with a pork tapeworm infection.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms vary depending on the location and number of cysts in your body. Symptoms typically begin months to years after infection and commonly occur when the cysts are in the process of dying.
• Cysts in the muscles usually do not cause symptoms. In some cases, you may be able to feel lumps under your skin.
• Cysts in the brain are most common and cause abnormalities in the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). Symptoms may include:
○ Seizures.
○ Headaches.
○ Confusion.
○ Lack of attention to people and surroundings.
○ Difficulty with balance.
○ Buildup of fluid in the brain