Cysticercosis

Cysticercosis is a parasitic tissue infection caused by the larval cysts (cysticerci) of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. It is not a genetic disease but rather an acquired infectious condition. Humans become infected by ingesting T. solium eggs, typically through fecal-oral transmission from contaminated food, water, or contact with an infected individual who harbors the adult tapeworm. Once ingested, the larvae can migrate to various tissues throughout the body, forming cysts most commonly in the brain (neurocysticercosis), skeletal muscles, subcutaneous tissues, and eyes (ocular cysticercosis). Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most clinically significant form and is the leading cause of acquired epilepsy in endemic regions worldwide. Key symptoms depend on the location, number, and stage of the cysts and include seizures, chronic headaches, increased intracranial pressure (hydrocephalus), cognitive decline, focal neurological deficits, and meningitis. Ocular cysticercosis can cause visual disturbances, eye pain, and vision loss. Subcutaneous and muscular cysticercosis may present as painless nodules under the skin. Cysticercosis is endemic in many low- and middle-income countries in Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia, where sanitation infrastructure is limited and pigs are raised in close contact with humans. Treatment depends on the form and severity of disease. Antiparasitic medications such as albendazole and praziquantel are used to kill viable cysts, often in combination with corticosteroids (such as dexamethasone) to manage the inflammatory response triggered by cyst degeneration. Antiepileptic drugs are used to control seizures. Surgical intervention may be necessary for cases involving hydrocephalus, large cysts, or intraventricular or spinal cysts. Prevention strategies focus on improved sanitation, meat inspection, health education, and mass treatment programs in endemic areas.

Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.

Common questions about Cysticercosis