Ophthalmic Cysticercosis Research Paper

Ophthalmic Cysticercosis Ophthalmic cysticercosis is derived from cysticercosis which is an infection by eggs in the tissue caused by a parasite. This parasite is known as Taenia solium, or more commonly called pork tapeworm. It is also an emerging parasitic disease. People can become infected by this parasite if undercooked meat is consumed or eaten raw. The eggs go into the body and form cysts. It is usually found in the intestinal tract, skin, muscles, and areas of the brain in an infected host. In this case it has reached the region near the brain, particularly the ocular site. Often found in the globe, extraocular muscles, and subconjuctiva of the eyes, the parasite can cause swelling, blurry vision, or blindness. When a cyst develops …show more content…
Most often, infections are asymptomatic, mildly symptomatic, or benign. Symptoms can take months or years after infection. In ophthalmic cysticercosis, almost all of the eye tissues are affected. An infected person may have decreased vision, recurring eye redness, and pain. If it happens right after a visit to an underdeveloped country, it would be wise to see an eye doctor. Depending on where the cyst develops, whether in the ocular or extraocular muscle, it can be detected with serological tests, MRI or a tomography scan. Ophthalmic cysticercosis signs and symptoms vary from mild to severe. Most often, seizures, epilepsy, or double vision. Lumps under the skin may also develop, and worse it may have spread to the brain. There have been many cases where patients have died because of the parasite, some have to take medicine till they die.
The immune system response in the case of cysticercosis has some disadvantages. Mainly, if the parasite comes in contact with the tissue, the immune system will respond to damage the parasite, but at the cost of damaging the host’s tissues. Although it destroys the invading parasite, it also delivers an inflammatory reaction that harm the brain. CNS injuries, such as lesions or stroke, induce immunosuppression, which may be a similar response following the parasitic invasion of …show more content…
The main focus of initial therapy is control of swelling, hypertension, or seizures if present. Most often, drugs such as anthelminthics (albendazole) and oral corticosteroids are used for a four-week regimen. Following the regimen, calcified cysts show dead cysts. On the other hand, neurocysticercosis is a sign of emergency. Many have undergone surgery to have it removed to avoid possible intracranial herniation. In some cases, there are cysticercosis that are drug-resistant. Surgery is usually the choice since severe inflammation can occur after larval death. If left untreated, cysticercosis can be life