Cysticercosis (cys·ti·cer·co·sis)
Click for View of Cysticersosis/Taeniasis Life Cycle
Cysticercosis
results from an infection with the larval form of the
tapeworm Taenia solium. The process begins with
ingestion of tapeworm eggs (which have been excreted in
human feces by a human tapeworm carrier). Once the eggs
are ingested, the tapeworm larvae hatch from the eggs in
the human gut and may invade any organ of the human
body, such as the eye or the brain.
The most serious manifestation is neurocysticercosis,
infection of the central nervous system, including the
brain, meninges and spinal column. Symptoms of
neurocysticercosis may include headache, seizures,
confusion, sensitivity to light, or loss of
consciousness. Cysticercosis can also manifest in
muscles, causing acute body aches and pain. Ocular (eye)
cysticercosis can result in eye pain, difficult eye
movement, visual disturbances and blindness.
Human tapeworm infection with T. solium is caused by
consuming raw or undercooked pork, infested with viable
cysts. Pork products that are raised and processed
domestically do not carry T. solium. However it is
extremely important to always cook your pork to an
internal temperature of 145ºF to ensure any pathogens
have been killed.
