Cysticercosis is the most common parasitic infection of the CNS

Caused by larval forms of pork tapeworm Taenia solium

This Parasitic disease is becoming increasingly prevalent in industrialized nations such as the United States, largely due to increased immigration of people from these endemic areas.

The pork tapeworm can vary in size but is notable for a scolex (head) with approximately 25 hooklets, and 4 suckers

The body has appox 700-1000 segments, and about 40 microns in diameter with a striated shell.

The pork tapeworm or Taenia solium begins its life cycle when a pig ingests the parasite, in egg form, via food or water that has been contaminated by human or animal feces that contain the tapeworm eggs.

Once inside a human host, the parasite latches onto the intestinal wall and develops into a tapeworm. These worms release a quarter of a million eggs every day, which pass out of the body in feces.

When a person who has the adult pork tapeworm does not wash his or her hands properly after going to the bathroom they can pass the eggs of the adult tapeworms to other humans.

When a human ingests the eggs of the adult pork tapeworm, the parasite burrows through the small intestine and travels through the bloodstream and can develop into cysticerci (cysts) in the muscle, brain or eyes

The most serious form of cysticercosis occurs when cysts form in the brain or on the spinal cord. The symptoms of this particular infection, neurocysticercosis include seizures, headaches, confusion, lack of attention and difficulty balancing. In severe cases, brain swelling or hydrocephalus can occur.

Neurocysticercosis can be fatal. These symptoms can occur months or even up to 10 years after infection, the symptoms usually start when the cysts are dying.

Anticysticercal drugs Corticosteroids Surgical removal or decompression of the

cyst

Praziquantel and Albendazole Both are drugs used in the elimination of

the cysticerci in the brain or at least reduce their number

To prevent cysticercosis, avoid eating raw or undercooked pork and other pig products. When traveling in developing countries, wash hands frequently and particularly before handling food. Wash and peel raw vegetables and fruits, and drink only bottled or boiled water. Carbonated water from cans or bottles is also safe to drink, but water from drinking fountains and ice cubes should be avoided.

After entering the CNS the cysticerci are viable and elicit very little inflammation

It can remain like this for long time protected by the Blood-Brain-Barrier

After variable amount of time the cyst starts to die resulting in inflammation

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Garg, R. K. (1998). Neurocysticercosis. Postgrad Medical Journal , 74:321-326.

Nation Master. (n.d.). Retrieved March 28, 2009, from Nation Master: http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Cysticercosis

Ucla Health System. (n.d.). Retrieved March 28, 2009, from Neurocysticercosis: neurosurgery.ucla.edu/body.cfm?id=186

Life with NPH. (n.d.). Retrieved March 28, 2009, from www.lifenph.com/surgery.asp