|
|
Article: Cerebral cysticercosis.(Shorts)
- Article from:
- Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients
- Article date:
- November 1, 2003
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 The Townsend Letter Group. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
Neurological disease, including adult-onset epilepsy, in non-Muslim developing countries often results from cysticercosis, an infection caused by pork tapeworm larvae (Taenia solium). The larvae are transmitted by inadequately cooked pork and contaminated water. According to the CDC, it is becoming increasingly common in industrialized countries but is often unrecognized. Up to 2% of neurological/neurosurgical admissions in southern California are due to cysticercosis.
Once ingested, the larvae travel from the intestines to other areas where they create cysts. Cysts in the central nervous system usually do not cause symptoms until the larvae die. Their death ...