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Cysticercosis
(SIS-tuh-sir-KO-sis)
By Dru Davis
Definition
Cysticercosis is an infection caused by the
pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. Infection
starts when the tapeworm larvae enter
the body and form cysticerci (SIS-tuh-sirKEY) (cysts). When cysticerci are found
in the brain, the condition is called
neurocysticercosis (NEW-row SIS-tuh-sirKO-sis) AKA brain worm.
Something to see!
• Here is a cysticercosis in 5 minutes
of fame.
http://www.myspace.com/porktap
eworm
How can you get it?
• Eating raw or uncooked pork
• By swallowing pork tapeworm eggs.
The eggs can be spread through
food, water, or surfaces
contaminated with feces.
Where do they go in the
body?
• You swallow the egg(s) and they can
work their way into the body from the GI
tract once hatched. It is only Taenia
Solium until it actually works out of the
GI tract and into the body and than it is
called cysticercosis. They usually make a
home in muscles but can work their way
into the spinal fluid or brain.
Signs and Symptoms
• These depend on where they are
found and how many.
Signs and Symptoms in:
• Muscles- may feel lumps under skin and
usually no symptoms
• Abdomen-mild, mid abdominal pain
• Eyes- rare, but may float into them
causing blurred/disturbed vision.
Infection may cause swelling and
detachment of the retina.
Signs and Symptoms in:
• Brain and spinal cord
(neurocysticercosis)- seizures, and
headaches are the most common
symptoms. However, confusion, lack of
attention to people and surroundings,
difficulty with balance, swelling of the
brain may also occur. Death can happen
suddenly with heavy infections.
How to detect in the prehospital setting?
• Worms/eggs in feces
• Lumps under skin
• Signs and symptoms from a person
who has lived in filthy environments
(transients, third world countries,
immigrants from poor
countries,etc.).
Treatment
• anti-parasitic drugs in combination with
anti-inflammatory drugs(ex. praziguantel
and albendazole. Surgery is sometimes
necessary to treat cases in the eyes that
are not responsive to drug treatment, or
to reduce brain swelling. Not all cases of
cysticercosis are treated.
How to prevent?
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked
meats(pork).
• Freezing meats
• Washing hands
• Wash and peel all vegetables and fruits.
• Drink bottled water that follows strict
health codes or boil for at least 60
seconds.
References
• http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/cysticercosis
/factsht_cysticercosis.htm
• http://www.drnatura.com/parasites.php
• http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/common/s
tandard/transform.jsp?requestURI=/healthatoz/Atoz/enc
y/tapeworm_diseases.jsp
• COPSTEAD/BANASIK- Pathophysiology 3rd edition. Page
200
• Youtube.com (videos)
• Google.com (images)