Definition of Infection, pork tapeworm
Infection, pork tapeworm definition - medical term Known medically as cysticercosis, an infection
caused by Taenia solium (the pork tapeworm). Infection occurs when the tapeworm
larvae enter the body and form cysticerci (SIS-tuh-sir-KEY) (cysts). When cysticerci
are found in the brain, the condition is called neurocysticercosis (NEW-row SIS-tuh-sir-KO-sis).
The tapeworm that causes cysticercosis is found worldwide. Infection is found
most often in rural, developing countries with poor hygiene where pigs are allowed
to roam freely and eat human feces. This allows the tapeworm infection to be completed
and the cycle to continue. Infection can occur, though rarely, if you have never
traveled outside of the United States. Taeniasis and cysticercosis are very rare
in Muslim countries where eating pork is forbidden.
Cysticercosis is contracted by accidentally swallowing pork tapeworm eggs. Tapeworm
eggs are passed in the bowel movement of a person who is infected. These tapeworm
eggs are spread through food, water, or surfaces contaminated with feces. This can
happen by drinking contaminated water or food, or by putting contaminated fingers
to your mouth. A person who has a tapeworm infection can reinfect themselves (autoinfection).
Once inside the stomach, the tapeworm egg hatches, penetrates the intestine, travels
through the bloodstream and may develop into cysticerci in the muscles, brain, or
eyes.
The signs and symptoms of the disease depend on the location and number of cysticerci
in the body.
- Cysticerci in the muscles: Cysticerci in the muscles generally do
not cause symptoms. However, you may be able to feel lumps under your skin.
- Cysticerci in the eyes: Although rare, cysticerci may float in the
eye and cause blurry or disturbed vision. Infection in the eyes may cause swelling
or detachment of the retina.
- Cysticerci in the brain or spinal cord (neurocysticercosis): Symptoms
of neurocysticercosis depend upon where and how many cysticerci (often called
lesions) are found in the brain. Seizures, and headaches are the most common
symptoms. However, confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings,
difficulty with balance, swelling of the brain (called hydrocephalus) may also
occur. Death can occur suddenly with heavy infections.
Symptoms can occur months to years after infection, usually when the cysts are
in the process of dying. When this happens, the brain can swell. The pressure caused
by swelling is what causes most of the symptoms of neurocysticercosis. Most people
with cysticerci in muscles won't have symptoms of infection.
Diagnosis can be difficult and may require several testing methods. The health
care provider will usually ask about where the patient has traveled and their eating
habits. Diagnosis of neurocysticercosis is usually made by MRI or CT brain scans.
Blood tests are available to help diagnose an infection, but may not always be accurate.
If surgery is necessary, confirmation of the diagnosis can be made by the laboratory.
Treatment is generally with anti-parasitic drugs in combination with anti-inflammatory
drugs. Surgery is sometimes necessary to treat cases in the eyes, cases that are
not responsive to drug treatment, or to reduce brain edema (swelling). Not all cases
of cysticercosis are treated. Often, the decision of whether or not to treat neurocysticercosis
is based upon the number of lesions found in the brain and the symptoms. When only
one lesion is found, often treatment is not given. If there is more than one lesion,
specific anti-parasitic treatment is generally recommended.
If the brain lesion is considered calcified (this means that a hard shell has
formed around the tapeworm larvae), the cysticerci is considered dead and specific
anti-parasitic treatment is not beneficial.
As the cysticerci die, the lesion will shrink. The swelling will go down, and
often symptoms (such as seizures) will go away.
To prevent cysticercosis and other disease causing germs:
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked pork and other meats.
- Don't eat meat of pigs that are likely to be infected with the tapeworm.
- Wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before handling
food, especially when traveling in developing countries.
- Wash and peel all raw vegetables and fruits before eating. Avoid food that
may be contaminated with feces.
- Drink only bottled or boiled (1 minute) water or carbonated (bubbly) drinks
in cans or bottles. Do not drink fountain drinks or any drinks with ice cubes.
Another way to make water safe is by filtering it through an "absolute 1 micron
or less" filter AND dissolving iodine tablets in the filtered water. "Absolute
1 micron" filters can be found in camping/outdoor supply stores.
Cysticercosis is not spread from person to person. However, a person infected
with the intestinal tapeworm stage of the infection (T. solium) will shed tapeworm
eggs in their bowel movements. Tapeworm eggs that are accidentally swallowed by
another person can cause infection.
Anyone suspected of having cysticercosis (and family members) should be tested.
Because the tapeworm infection can be difficult to diagnose, several stool specimens
over several days may be needed to examine the stools for evidence of a tapeworm.
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