Monsters Inside Me
Cysticercosis and Neurocysticercosis
Caused by the pork tapeworm, aka Taenia solium.
Copyright Dennis Kunkel Microscopy, Inc.
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The Parasite: The pork tapeworm or Taenia solium begins its life cycle when a pig ingests the parasite, in egg form, via the feces of an infected animal. The parasite lives in the flesh of pigs and, consequently, humans are infected by eating contaminated pork products. The disease can also be contracted by drinking water that has been contaminated with infected feces. 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. The life cycle continues when pigs ingest these contaminated feces.
The Infection: Once the parasite has made its way into the stomach and developed into a worm, it travels through the bloodstream and can develop into cysticerci (cysts) in the muscle, brain or eyes. The symptoms of this infection vary according to the location and number of cysticerci. In general, cysts in the muscles do not have symptoms, although infected individuals may feel lumps under the skin. On rare occasions, cysticerci may float in the eye, causing blurry vision and sometimes swelling or detachment of the retina.
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 years after infection, usually when the cysts are dying.
Treatment: The common treatment for cysticercosis is a combination of anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory drugs. In some cases the patient does not respond to drug treatments and it becomes necessary to perform surgery on the cysts. Surgery can also be necessary to reduce brain swelling. If brain cysts are found calcified, they are considered dead and generally do not require treatment.
Prevention: 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.
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Featured in Living With the Enemy, Episode 5 of MONSTERS INSIDE ME
Wednesday, August 6, 9 PM e/p
Killers? No. Users? You betcha. These parasites keep the party going for as long as possible. Highlighting malaria, the pork tapeworm and Toxoplasmosis.
 Adopt a pet pork tapeworm at the Parasite Pet Shop!
Visit the Monsters Inside Me video gallery.
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  Adopt a Pork Tapeworm: So, you want a pet pork tapeworm? Adopt your own adorably awful parasite from the Parasite Pet Shop!
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 Rate Disgusting Parasite Habits: From blood-sucking to brain-eating, rate revolting parasite habits on a scale from "gross" (0) to "I think I'm going to vomit" (10).
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