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Cysticercosis

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Definition:

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 is when a person is already infected with adult T. solium , then swallows eggs following improper hand washing after a bowel movement.

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 eating pork, fruits, and vegetables contaminated with T. solium as a result of unhealthy cooking preparation. The disease can also be spread by contact with infected people or fecal matter. The disease is rare in the US, but common in many developing countries.

• Review Date: 3/6/2006
• Reviewed By: Monica Gandhi MD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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