Did you know tapeworms can cause seizures?
Name
Taeniasis/cysticercosis
Transmission
- Taeniasis is a mild intestinal infection caused by tapeworms
- Humans get taeniasis by eating raw or undercooked beef and pork which contain tapeworm larvae called cysticerci
- The tapeworm larvae live in the intestines where they become adult tapeworms
- The larvae eggs and/or segments are passed out of the body in feces
- These eggs can live and remain infectious for days to months in the environment
- Without treatment, the tapeworms can live in the body for years
- Cysticercosis is a more serious infection that happens when the tapeworm larvae migrate through the body and form cysts in the brain, muscles, and other body tissues
- When these cysts develop in the central nervous system, it is called neurocysticercosis (the most serious form and the most frequent preventable cause of epilepsy in the developing world)
- People get cysticercosis by ingesting feces or touching contaminated surfaces containing the eggs and/or segments of the tapeworm (not from eating undercooked meat)
- Taeniasis and Cysticercosis are considered to be neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)
Geography
Worldwide, but mostly in Latin America, Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa
Incubation Period
- Taeniasis: 6-8 weeks after ingestion of tapeworm larvae
- Cysticercosis: Incubation period is variable and some infected people remain asymptomatic for several years
Signs and Symptoms
Taeniasis: symptoms can be mild and some people do not develop any symptoms at all
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Visible segments of tapeworm in feces
Cysticercosis: Symptoms vary depending on the number, size, stage, and location of the cysts
- Headaches
- Seizures – (a major cause of adult onset seizures in low-income countries)
- Blindness
- Confusion/dementia
- Meningitis
- Stroke or death
Diagnosis
- Examination of feces samples for tapeworm eggs
- Cysticercosis diagnosis is based on patient’s symptoms and imaging studies (ex: CT scan)
Treatment
- There are a few medications available to treat taeniasis
- There is no specific treatment for cysticercosis, sometimes surgery and supportive epilepsy therapy are used (treatment is customized for the patient)
Prognosis
- Medications for taeniasis completely eradicate the tapeworms
- The prognosis of cysticercosis is variable and the percentage of patients who recover is unknown
Prevention: What Can You Do?
- Thoroughly cook your meat and do not eat raw or undercooked meat
- Wash your hands after using the toilet and changing diapers
- Wash your hands before handling food and practice proper food hygiene
Taeniasis In the News
- Doctors find tapeworm in man’s brain is to blame for years of headaches
- Tapeworms — It’s Not Just Cancer That Should Worry You
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/taeniasis/
http://www.who.int/taeniasis/en/
