Cysticercosis

Cysticercosis = T. solium cysticerci in human tissues; internal autoinfection (reverse peristalsis) or fecal-oral egg ingestion. Subcutaneous/muscle/CNS; cerebral most severe. Lifespan decades; early diagnosis/treatment key.

Common Symptoms

Dementia; tinnitus; convulsion; low fever; sudden death; nausea

Causes and Pathogenesis

T. solium cysticercus; human as intermediate host. Water/food contamination; raw pork. Internal autoinfection = most severe. Pathogenesis: 3 stages (vesicular/cystic → colloidal/degenerating → calcified). Degenerating cyst fluid releases heterologous protein → edema/inflammation/gliosis/encephalomalacia/abscess; calcareous corpuscles = diagnostic. Histology: live cyst = glial/fibroblast rim; dead = PMN/lymphocyte/PL + foreign body reaction/fibrosis. 1/3 of JE deaths co-infected; increased susceptibility. Ocular: retina/vitreous/anterior chamber/extraocular/subconjunctival.

Treatment

Drug therapy, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

Treat taeniasis (only source); latrine/pigpen management; handwashing; cook meat (54°C 5 min kills cysticerci); separate raw/cooked boards; meat inspection (-12 to -13°C 12 h kills).

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Infectious Diseases department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.