What is Microbiology - Cysticercosis

​Cysticercosis 

Cysticercosis is caused by taenia solium.

Taenia solium is a form of cestode which is also known as pork tapeworm or segmental flatworm. 

Stool examination may reveal the strobila with one or more hermaphrodite with proglottids ( 5- 12 uterine branches). 

Cysticercosis is caused by the formation of cysticerci in organs and tissue such as brain, muscle, eyes and lung. The symptoms are best on the deposition of the cysticerci which include seizures and meningoencephalitis ( cysticerci is calcify and often seen in the CT scan, MRI scan or x ray). Mild cases of infection of taenia solium may just present with mild gastrointestinal disturbance. 

Cysticercosis may occur due to fecal oral transmission of the taenia solium eggs. The eggs are directly ingested while the larvae invading the bloodstream and the cysticerci embed in various type of tissue.

Taenia solium may attached in the scolex. The adult tapeworm may grow up to 5 meters. 

The treatment may include praziquantel , surgical excision or albendazole.