1. Cysticercosis (SIS-tuh-sir-KO-sis)
By Dru Davis

2. 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-sir-KEY) (cysts). When cysticerci are found in the brain, the condition is called neurocysticercosis (NEW-row SIS-tuh-sir-KO-sis) AKA brain worm.

3. Something to see!
Here is a cysticercosis in 5 minutes of fame.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Signs and Symptoms
These depend on where they are found and how many.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. How to detect in the pre-hospital 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.).

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. References
COPSTEAD/BANASIK- Pathophysiology 3rd edition. Page 200
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