Print friendly version
Cysticercosis
See Disclaimer regarding information on this site. Some links on this page may take you to organizations outside of the National Institutes of Health.
Overview
Cysticercosis is an infectious disorder caused by the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. Infection occurs when the tapeworm larvae enter the body and form cysticeri (cysts). The tapeworm eggs are spread through food, water, or other surfaces contaminated with feces. The signs and symptoms vary depending on the location and number of cysticeri in the affected person's body. Symptoms can present months to years after the infection. Diagnosing cysticercosis can be challenging and may involve several test, including MRI or CT brain scans and blood tests. Although treatment is available and may include anti-parasitic drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, and/or surgery, it is not always necessary.[1]
References
- Division of Parasitic Diseases. Parasitic Disease Information. Cysticercosis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/cysticercosis/factsht_cysticercosis.htm. Accessed April 12, 2010.
Your Questions Answered
by the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center1 question(s) from the public on Cysticercosis have been answered. See questions and answers. You can also submit a new question.
On this page
General Information
- You can obtain comprehensive information on this topic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC is recognized as the lead federal agency for developing and applying disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education activities designed to improve the health of the people of the United States. Click on the link to read information on this condition.
- eMedicine has two articles on this topic from the perspective of Infectious Diseases and Pediatrics. You may need to register to view the information online, but registration is free. Click on the links above to view the articles from this medical reference Web site.
- The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library provides information on this condition. Click on the link to view the information.
- The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is a federation of more than 130 nonprofit voluntary health organizations serving people with rare disorders. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
- PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Cysticercosis. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) produces guidelines and standards, helps countries to address public health issues, and supports and promotes health research. The WHO has developed a fact sheet on this condition. To view the fact sheet, click on the link.