Cysticercosis

Cysticercosis (pronounced “cys-ti-cer-CO-sis”) is an illness you can get when you accidentally swallow Taenia solium (T. solium) eggs. T. solium is a pork tapeworm, a type of parasite. The eggs develop into larvae in sacs of fluid (cysts) that move into tissues in your body.

You can have cysts almost anywhere, including your brain, eyes, heart, muscle tissue or liver. Cysts in your brain and spinal cord (neurocysticercosis) are the most likely to cause symptoms. Cysts under your skin (subcutaneous cysticercosis) or in your eye (ophthalmic cysticercosis) also sometimes cause symptoms.

Many people have cysticercosis without knowing it. But sometimes, the cysts cause inflammation. This can lead to symptoms.

Symptoms of cysticercosis

The symptoms of cysticercosis depend on where cysts form. The most common are nervous system symptoms, including:

• Seizures
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion
• Stiff neck

Cysts in your eye can cause:

• Eye pain
• Double vision
• Eye inflammation
• Limited eye movement
• Bulging eyes
• Vision loss

Cysts under your skin may cause a lump you can see or feel. Cysts in other locations often don’t cause symptoms.

Cysticercosis causes

An infection with eggs of the parasite T. solium causes cysticercosis. The eggs can get into your body by touching poop or through contaminated food or water.

When you swallow the eggs, they hatch in your gut (intestines). Young T. solium worms (larvae) move out into the tissues of your body and form sacs (cysts). These can form in your brain, eyes, skin and other parts of your body. They usually don’t cause symptoms unless there are a lot of them in one place. You can have them for weeks to years without knowing it. Your immune system responds when the cysts die, causing symptoms.

How do you contract it?

You get cysticercosis from something that’s contaminated with poop carrying parasite eggs. You don’t get it from eating undercooked pork. Poop can get into soil, water and plant material and the food we eat. You can accidentally swallow T. solium eggs after coming in contact with something that’s contaminated. This includes:

• Drinking water that hasn’t been boiled or treated
• Eating unwashed fruits or vegetables
• Touching your mouth or eating after using the bathroom or touching poop

Risk factors

Cysticercosis is most common in people who’ve lived in or traveled to rural areas in:

• Asia
• Central and South America
• Sub-Saharan Africa

People who’ve moved to the U.S. from these regions have a higher risk of being infected with T. solium. You’re also at higher risk if you live with someone who has taeniasis (T. solium tapeworm infection).

Complications

Cysts in your brain can cause inflammation or pressure inside your skull. Dead cysts can also leave behind hard patches (calcifications) in your brain. These can lead to life-threatening complications, including:

• Brain bleeds
• Build-up of fluid in your brain (hydrocephalus)
• Seizures
• Stroke

Cysts in your eyes can cause permanent vision loss.

How doctors diagnose cysticercosis

To diagnose cysticercosis, a healthcare provider will perform an exam and ask about symptoms you’ve had. They might ask about your travel history. Depending on your symptoms, they may perform some of these tests:

• Imaging
• Blood tests
• Lumbar puncture
• Skin biopsy
• Eye exam

How do you treat cysticercosis?

The treatment for cysticercosis varies depending on the symptoms you have and the location of the cysts. Your provider will tailor a treatment plan to your specific case. Treatments could include:

• Antiseizure medications to prevent seizures
• Antiparasitic medications to kill the larvae
• Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Surgery to remove cysts or to put in a tube (shunt) to redirect fluid in your brain

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Contact a healthcare provider if you have symptoms of cysticercosis, especially if you live in or have traveled to an area where it’s common. Go to the emergency room if you have symptoms like seizures, confusion or unexplained vomiting.

Is it fatal?

Cysticercosis is rarely fatal. Experts estimate that millions of people around the world are infected. Most have no symptoms and don’t even know they have it. People with many cysts in their brain or severe symptoms have a higher risk of fatal complications.

Can cysticercosis be prevented?

To reduce your risk of cysticercosis:

• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently, especially after using the bathroom, after changing diapers, before eating and before preparing food.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly or peel them before eating.
• Wash cutting boards, counters, dishes and utensils with soapy water after use.
• Don’t drink untreated water.
• If you’re traveling to a place where you don’t know if the water is treated, drink bottled, filtered or boiled water only. Boil water for one minute before allowing it to cool for drinking.