Cysticercosis is caused by swallowing eggs from T. solium, which are found in contaminated food. Autoinfection, where a person already infected with adult T. solium swallows eggs following improper hand washing after a bowel movement, can also occur.

This organism can cause seizures, eye infections, spine infections, and other complications but most often, the worms remain in muscle and do not cause symptoms.

Risk factors include living in developing areas and eating pork, fruits, and vegetables contaminated with T. solium. The disease can also be spread by contact with infected people or fecal matter. The disease is rare in the US but common in much of the rest of the world.

Symptoms depend on where the infection is found.

• Brain lesions can result in seizures or symptoms similar to a brain tumor.
• Eye lesions can cause decreased vision or blindness.
• Heart lesions can lead to abnormal rhythms or heart failure (rare).
• Spine lesions can lead to changes in walking or weakness.

• Antibody test (may be positive)
• Tests to identify lesions :
  • X-rays
  • CT scans
  • MRI
• Biopsy of the affective area (may show lesions)

Most doctors treat the infection with an antibiotic, often in conjunction with steroid medication to decrease swelling. If the cyst is in certain locations, such as the eye or the brain, steroids may be started a few days before the antibiotic to avoid problems caused by swelling during antibiotic treatment.

Sometimes surgery may be needed to remove the infected area.

• Blindness, decreased vision
• Heart failure or abnormal rhythm
• Seizures, increased pressure in the brain