Cysticercosis is an infection that creates cysts in different areas in the body. The infection is caused by a parasite called Taenia solium (the pork tapeworm). If these worms are found in the intestine, they cause a different disease that is called teniasis.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Cysticercosis is caused by swallowing eggs from T. solium , which are found in contaminated food. Autoinfection, where a person already infected with adult T. solium swallows eggs following improper hand washing after a bowel movement, can also occur. This organism can cause seizures, eye infections, spine infections, and other complications but most often, the worms remain in muscle and do not cause symptoms. Risk factors include living in developing areas and eating pork, fruits, and vegetables contaminated with T. solium . The disease can also be spread by contact with infected people or fecal matter. The disease is rare in the US but common in much of the rest of the world.
Treatment
Most doctors treat the infection with an antibiotic, often in conjunction with steroid medication to decrease swelling. If the cyst is in certain locations, such as the eye or the brain, steroids may be started a few days before the antibiotic to avoid problems caused by swelling during antibiotic treatment. Sometimes surgery may be needed to remove the infected area.
Expectations (prognosis)
The prognosis is generally good, unless the lesion has caused blindness, heart failure, or brain damage. These are rare complications.
Calling your health care provider
If you have any of these symptoms, you should contact your health care provider to discuss whether you may have cysticercosis.
Prevention
Avoid unclean foods, avoid uncooked foods while traveling, and always wash fruits and vegetables well.