Cysticercosis

What it is

From: Orphanet

Cysticercosis is a parasitic infectious disease characterized by cyst formation in the target tissue of Taenia solium (tapeworm) parasite larvae ingested via the feces of a human with a tapeworm (human-to-human fecal-oral transmission) leading to variable clinical manifestations in muscle, the brain, spinal cord, and eyes. Infection of muscle tissue is generally asymptomatic. Cyst development in the brain and spinal cord is known as neurocysticercosis (NCC) and may cause seizures and headache. NCC can follow a serious course and may be life-threatening. Severe cases of cysticercosis are treated with albendazole and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Reported clinical features and what the terms mean

The following findings are associated with this condition in Orphanet. They are not a checklist for diagnosing yourself, and they do not all occur in every affected person. Some are examination, imaging or laboratory findings that cannot be recognised at home.

The frequency labels describe how often a finding was reported among people with the condition in the source. They do not give the chance that a person with that symptom has the condition. Definitions below reproduce HPO terminology; they explain the term, not the likely severity in an individual.

Abnormality of the nervous system · Very frequent (99-80%)

An abnormality of the nervous system.

Abnormal meningeal morphology · Frequent (79-30%)

An abnormality of the Meninges, including any abnormality of the Dura mater, the Arachnoid mater, and the Pia mater.

Abnormal skeletal muscle morphology · Frequent (79-30%)

A structural abnormality of a skeletal muscle.

Abnormal subarachnoid space morphology · Frequent (79-30%)

Abnormality in the space in the meninges beneath the arachnoid membrane and above the pia mater that contains the cerebrospinal fluid.

Abnormality of brain morphology · Frequent (79-30%)

A structural abnormality of the brain, which has as its parts the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain.

Arachnoid cyst · Frequent (79-30%)

An extra-parenchymal and intra-arachnoidal collection of fluid with a composition similar to that of cerebrospinal fluid.

CSF lymphocytic pleiocytosis · Frequent (79-30%)

An increased lymphocyte count in the cerebrospinal fluid.

Cerebral calcification · Frequent (79-30%)

The presence of calcium deposition within the cerebrum.

Increased CSF protein concentration · Frequent (79-30%)

Increased concentration of protein in the cerebrospinal fluid.

Increased anti-parasite IgE antibody level · Frequent (79-30%)

Increased level of IgE antibody against parasites, such as helminths (parasitic worms, such as Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Ancylostoma duodenalis, Necator americanus, Strongyloides stercoralis) or parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii.

Increased circulating immunoglobulin concentration · Frequent (79-30%)

An increased level of gamma globulin (immunoglobulin) in the blood.

Intracranial cystic lesion · Frequent (79-30%)

A cystic lesion originating within the brain.

Seizure · Frequent (79-30%)

A seizure is an intermittent abnormality of nervous system physiology characterized by a transient occurrence of signs and/or symptoms due to abnormal excessive or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain.

Somatic sensory dysfunction · Frequent (79-30%)

An abnormality of the primary sensation that is mediated by peripheral nerves (pain, temperature, touch, vibration, joint position). The word hypoesthesia (or hypesthesia) refers to a reduction in cutaneous sensation to a specific type of testing.

Other findings in the same source

From: Orphanet

Additional reported features include Functional motor deficit (Frequent (79-30%)); Abnormal eye morphology (Occasional (29-5%)); Abnormal myocardium morphology (Occasional (29-5%)); Abnormal skull morphology (Occasional (29-5%)); Abnormality of the vertebral column (Occasional (29-5%)); Atypical behavior (Occasional (29-5%)); Calcification of muscles (Occasional (29-5%)); Diplopia (Occasional (29-5%)); Emotional lability (Occasional (29-5%)); Focal-onset seizure (Occasional (29-5%)). This is a selected summary, not a complete description of the condition.

When it may begin

From: Orphanet

All ages

Inheritance in the source

From: Orphanet

Not applicable

Frequency and the population described

From: Orphanet

Point prevalence: Unknown; Worldwide; Class only.

Which doctor should you see?

The suggested department for discussing Cysticercosis is Infectious Diseases, with a general physician / infectious disease specialist as the relevant type of clinician. General physician / Family Medicine; paediatrician for children. Referral depends on symptoms.

This is an editorial referral starting point. The appropriate clinic depends on the person’s age, symptoms, previous diagnosis and local services. The first clinician can decide whether another specialty or a team is needed; a department label does not confirm the diagnosis.

How to prepare for an assessment

Bring a short timeline of the main symptoms: when they first appeared, whether they are constant or episodic, what seems to change them, and how they affect daily activities. Include previous reports, discharge summaries, current medicines and supplements, allergies, and any relevant family history. A dated record is more useful than trying to match every feature in an online article.

Ask the clinician what is already established and what remains uncertain. If a test is suggested, ask what question it answers, what its limitations are and how the result would change the next step. The information here is not an instruction to arrange every possible test. In children, bring growth, developmental and school information if it is relevant to the concern.

• Which exposure or organism is suspected, and what evidence would confirm it?
• Are precautions, vaccination or advice for close contacts relevant to this infection?
• What should happen if symptoms worsen or do not improve as expected?

Treatment discussions and follow-up

Where the source describes treatments, these are an overview of possible care, not a prescription for an individual. Ask which option applies to the confirmed diagnosis, what benefit is expected, what adverse effects to watch for and how progress will be assessed. Availability, approvals and local practice can differ from the country described in the source.

Before leaving the appointment, clarify the next review date, who will communicate results, and whom to contact if the situation changes. Discuss difficulties with sleep, work, school, mobility, eating or emotional wellbeing when these are relevant. Practical support may require coordination between the treating clinician and other services.

The collected references do not establish a complete prevention or long-term outlook section for this entry. Missing information should not be interpreted as proof that prevention is impossible or that a particular outcome is inevitable. Ask what is known for the exact subtype, stage and personal circumstances, and which uncertainties remain.

When to seek emergency help

Severe breathing difficulty, collapse, new stroke-like symptoms, a seizure that is prolonged or repeated without recovery, uncontrolled major bleeding, or an immediate risk of self-harm require emergency help. In India, call 112 or reach the nearest emergency department. This is a general, non-exhaustive warning list; it is not a condition-specific triage tool.