Cysticercus

Cysticercus is a larval stage of the tapeworm Taenia solium, which is a parasite that affects both humans and pigs. The cysticercus stage is also known as the "bladder worm" stage, and it is this stage that can cause serious health problems in humans if ingested.

Finne bewaffneter Bandwurm drawing

Cysticercus cellulosae

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Taenia solium begins when a human ingests undercooked pork that is infected with cysticerci. Once inside the human digestive system, the cysticerci develop into adult tapeworms in the small intestine. The adult tapeworms produce eggs, which are then passed out of the body in the feces.

If these eggs are ingested by a pig, they hatch into oncospheres in the pig's intestine. The oncospheres then migrate to the pig's muscles and other tissues, where they develop into cysticerci. The cycle is completed when a human eats undercooked pork that is infected with these cysticerci.

Symptoms and Treatment

In humans, the symptoms of cysticercosis (the disease caused by infection with cysticerci) can vary widely, depending on the number and location of the cysticerci. Symptoms can include headaches, seizures, and neurological problems.

Treatment for cysticercosis typically involves a combination of antiparasitic drugs to kill the cysticerci, anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling, and sometimes surgery to remove cysts.

Prevention

Prevention of cysticercosis involves proper cooking of pork to kill any cysticerci, as well as good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of tapeworm eggs.

See Also

• Taenia solium
• Cysticercosis
• Neurocysticercosis
• Tapeworm infection