[en.wikipedia.org]



Cysticercosis in muscles

Cysticerci can develop in any voluntary muscle in humans.[9] Invasion of muscle by cysticerci can cause myositis, with fever, eosinophilia, and muscular pseudohypertrophy, which initiate with muscle swelling and later progress to atrophy and fibrosis.[9] In most cases, it is asymptomatic since the cysticerci die and become calcified.

Neurocysticercosis

The term neurocysticercosis is generally accepted to refer to cysts in the parenchyma of the brain. It presents with seizures and, less commonly, headaches.[12] Cysticerca in brain parenchyma are usually 5-20 mm in diameter. In subarachnoid space and fissures, lesions may be as large as 6 cm in diameter and lobulated.

Intraventricular neurocysticercosis

Cysts located within the ventricles of the brain can block the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid and present with symptoms of increased intracranial pressure.[13]

Racemose neurocysticercosis

Racemose neurocysticercosis refers to cysts in the subarachnoid space. These can occasionally grow into large lobulated masses causing pressure on surrounding structures.[14]

Spinal neurocysticercosis

Neurocysticercosis involving the spinal cord, most commonly presenting as back pain and radiculopathy.[15]

Ophthalmic cysticercosis

In some cases, cysticerci may be found in the globe, extraocular muscles, and subconjunctiva. Depending on the location, they may cause visual difficulties that fluctuate with eye position, retinal edema, hemorrhage, a decreased vision or even a visual loss.[9][10]

Subcutaneous cysticercosis

Subcutaneous cysts are in the form of firm, mobile nodules, occurring mainly on the trunk and extremities.[16] Subcutaneous nodules are sometimes painful.


tapeworm length



Common types

Among the most common tapeworms in humans are the faeces tapeworm (T. solium), the beef tapeworm (T. saginata), the fish tapeworm (Diphyllobothrium spp.), and the dwarf tapeworm (Hymenolepis spp.). Infections involving the pork and beef tapeworms are also called taeniasis. Tapeworms of the genus Echinococcus infect and cause the most harm to intermediate hosts such as sheep and cattle. Infection with this type of tapeworm is referred to as Echinococcosis or hydatid disease. Symptoms vary widely, as do treatment options, and these issues are discussed in detail in the individual articles on each worm. With a few notable exceptions like the fish tapeworm, most cestodes that infect humans and livestock are cyclophyllids, and can be identified as such by the presence of four suckers on their scolex or head.

Occurrence

Most occurrences are found in areas which lack adequate sanitation and include Southeast Asia, West Africa, and East Africa.[1]

Symptoms

Although tapeworms in the intestine usually cause no symptoms, some people experience upper abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.[2] Anemia may develop in people with the fish tapeworm. Infection is generally recognized when the infected person passes segments of proglottids in the stool (looks like white worms), especially if a segment is moving.

Rarely, worms may cause obstruction of the intestine. And very rarely, T. solium larvae can migrate to the brain causing severe headaches, seizures and other neurological problems. This condition is called neurocysticercosis. It can take years of development before the patient has those symptoms of the brain.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 04/17/2013 01:49PM by Panchito.