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1560 Cysticercosis

definition

Cysticercosis is a parasitic infectious disease characterized by cyst formation in the target tissue of Taenia solium (tapeworm) parasite larvae ingested via the feces of a human with a tapeworm (human-to-human fecal-oral transmission) leading to variable clinical manifestations in muscle, the brain, spinal cord, and eyes. Infection of muscle tissue is generally asymptomatic. Cyst development in the brain and spinal cord is known as neurocysticercosis (NCC) and may cause seizures and headache. NCC can follow a serious course and may be life-threatening. Severe cases of cysticercosis are treated with albendazole and anti-inflammatory drugs.