From the Guidelines
Cysticercosis, caused by the larval form of the cestode parasite Taenia solium, is primarily sourced from the ingestion of ova or undercooked pork contaminated with the tapeworm's eggs or proglottids.
Key Facts
- The tapeworm form of Taenia solium is acquired by ingestion of undercooked pork, and humans can be hosts to both the tapeworm and larval forms of the parasite 1.
- Cysticercosis refers to infection of the tissues with the larval cyst, which can be acquired by ingestion of ova, and normally pigs host the cysts 1.
- The natural intermediate host is the pig, harboring larval cysts anywhere in its body, and humans become infected with cysts by accidental ingestion of T. solium infective eggs by fecal-oral contamination 1.
- The gravid proglottids and eggs are passed in stool, and humans can develop cysticercosis after ingestion of ova 1.
Transmission and Infection
- The primary mode of transmission is through the ingestion of contaminated food or water with the tapeworm's eggs or proglottids, highlighting the importance of proper hygiene and cooking practices to prevent infection 1.
From the Research
Source of Cysticercosis
The source of Cysticercosis, also known as Taenia solium infection, is attributed to the ingestion of eggs from the pork tapeworm Taenia solium. This can occur through:
- Contaminated food 2, 3, 4
- Direct contact with an asymptomatic Taenia carrier through the fecal-oral route 2, 3, 5, 4
- Infestation of pork with cysts, which are then ingested by humans 2, 6
Life Cycle of Taenia solium
The life cycle of Taenia solium involves:
- Development of the adult tapeworm in the human small intestine after ingesting infected pork with cysts 2
- Larval infection in pig tissues after ingesting human stools containing the eggs of the tapeworm 2, 3
- Humans becoming intermediate hosts of the tapeworm by ingesting its eggs from contaminated food or directly from a Taenia carrier 3, 4
Transmission and Epidemiology
Cysticercosis is endemic in many parts of the world, including Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia 2, 5, 6. The disease is often underestimated, with an estimated 50 million people infected worldwide and 50,000 deaths per year 5. Taenia solium carriers play a significant role in transmitting the disease to their immediate entourage, even if the initial contamination was due to infestation of pork 5.