Cysticercosis

A Cysticercosis or infection by a pork tapeworm, anyone who does not eat well-heated or raw pork that subsequently contains larvae of the tapeworm (Finn) can contract it. The tapeworm infestation is not noticed; only in a few cases does the infection actually lead to symptoms.

What is cysticercosis?

The Cysticercosis or also infection by the pork tapeworm is also called so-called Taeniasis designated. This is because tapeworms such as beef tapeworm or pork tapeworm belong to the genus Taenia. This is how the pork tapeworm becomes Taenia solium and the beef tapeworm Taenia saginata called. The tapeworms are parasites. They need a host in order to survive.

The pork tapeworms (so-called flatworms) live in the intestine and can, in addition to a few millimeters, reach a size of several meters. The tapeworm goes through a certain cycle, whereby - depending on the stage of development - a host change is carried out. The intermediate host of the tapeworm is the pig; the final host is usually humans, even if the tapeworm can also use humans as an intermediate host. During this stage, severe complaints can arise that must be treated immediately.

causes

The main reason for this lies in the fact that the pork meat which has not been sufficiently heated or which contained the tapeworm larvae was consumed. The transmission path of the tapeworm is related to its life cycle; the tapeworm usually infects pigs and humans, so that an alternating host change can occur.

The development of the tapeworm - through the consumption of raw or not sufficiently heated pork - begins with the fact that the Finns get into the human intestines. Then the worm head forms from the head system. The latter is attached to the intestinal wall with the wreath of hooks. After that, the worm begins to mature. It can take several weeks for all link chains to fully mature.

Symptoms, ailments & signs

Even if the infestation can go unnoticed for years, there are definitely symptoms that can occur. Those affected often complain of loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, weight loss and anemia (anemia). In many cases, those affected also reported severe itching of the anus.

If there is a strong infestation, or if the person is seen as an intermediate host and classic cysticercosis occurs, seizures, headaches or dizziness can sometimes occur. In a few cases, patients suffer from visual disturbances, hydrocephalus (water head) or meningitis (meningitis). Damage to the heart and skeletal muscles is rare. Those symptoms should by no means be underestimated; the patient must be treated immediately.

Diagnosis & course of disease

If cysticercosis is suspected, the doctor takes a stool sample. A microscope can be used to determine if there are tapeworm eggs in the stool. The proglottids - members of the worm - can only be detected if they have already disintegrated in the intestine. Immunofluorescence and ELISA are two other techniques that can be used in diagnosis.

The physician or laboratory staff begins with the identification of the worm particles (antigens), which can be triggered and detected as a classic reaction of the human immune system, as well as antibodies, which are also formed as a reaction. Indirect clues can show calcifications in the tissue, which, however, are very difficult to see on X-rays. If doctors actually recognize "calcifications" on the X-ray, it is the fins of cysticercosis that have deposited.

As a rule, the disease takes a relatively uncomplicated course. It should be noted that such a disease rarely occurs; Mainly because in Central Europe, raw or insufficiently heated pork consumption is largely avoided. However, it becomes dangerous when the larvae develop further. In the context of cysticercosis, larvae can attack muscle tissue, eyes or even the brain. In those cases, the affected person must be treated quickly and effectively so that any further consequential damage can be prevented.

When should you go to the doctor?

In principle, the consumption of raw meat is associated with a risk. Pork in particular should not be eaten raw. If this takes place regularly, however, the risks of health impairments increase.A doctor is needed as soon as physical changes creep in. Loss of appetite, nausea or weight loss are indications of the presence of an illness.

Consult a doctor in the event of vomiting, decreased physical performance or internal weakness. A pale appearance, low blood pressure and sleep disorders indicate a health irregularity. If the symptoms persist or if they increase in intensity, a doctor's visit is necessary. If the anus becomes itchy, this is to be understood as an alarm signal from the organism. A doctor is needed, especially with an increase in itching with the formation of open wounds.

If you experience a headache or impaired vision, there is cause for concern. A doctor should be consulted as soon as possible in the event of irregular heartbeat or dizziness. For a large number of those affected, symptoms appear late. The disease often goes unnoticed for many years, since the diffuse health impairments are usually not very intense. Nevertheless, it is advisable to consult a doctor if there are any irregularities.

Therapy & Treatment

The pork tapeworm plays the main role in the therapy. The focus is on removing the worm. Active ingredients such as praziquantel or niclosamide are prescribed; those active ingredients should lead to the fact that the worms are killed. Sometimes the worms can also be “paralyzed”, making it impossible for them to “hold on” to the intestines. The worms are then excreted in the course of stool.

The duration as well as the success of the therapy depend on the extent to which the disease has progressed. However, the patient must expect that the therapy can take several weeks. As a result of the therapy, a relatively large number of pork tapeworm antigens are released. Antigens are nothing more than components to which the human immune system reacts. Sometimes those affected complain of hypersensitivity reactions or enormous side effects, which can be stressful, especially at the beginning of therapy.

For this reason, doctors also administer cortisone, so that the body's defense reaction is dampened. If, however, it is established that humans are nothing more than an intermediate host, the worm can also encapsulate itself in nerve tissue. If cysticercosis is present, praziquantel therapy must be administered for several days.

prevention

It is important that the consumption of raw or insufficiently heated pork is avoided. This is the only way to prevent cysticercosis.

Aftercare

Those affected with cysticercosis usually have only a few and only limited measures available for direct follow-up care. For this reason, those affected with this disease should first and foremost consult a doctor and initiate treatment in order to prevent further complications and complaints from occurring.

There can be no self-healing, so a visit to a doctor is always necessary for this disease. Most people with cysticercosis have to rely on various medications. It is always important to ensure the correct dosage and regular intake in order to counteract the symptoms correctly and permanently. Regular checks by a doctor are also very important.

Questions, ambiguities or side effects should be clarified professionally in order to avoid further complaints. Some of those affected also need the help and care of their own families during treatment. The care sometimes prevents the onset of depression and other psychological upsets. As a rule, the disease can be cured well and does not reduce the life expectancy of the person affected. However, the further course depends heavily on the time of diagnosis.

You can do that yourself

In many cases, cysticercosis has no symptoms. Treatment is necessary when typical symptoms such as dizziness, headache, or vomiting occur. If complications such as visual problems or nerve disorders occur, medical advice is required.

In most cases, patients can support their recovery by taking sufficient care of themselves. Bed rest is especially important in the high phase of the illness, when it can lead to fever and other physical complaints. Patients should also drink plenty of fluids during this period and be careful with their diet. Contact with other people should be restricted to prevent transmission of the tapeworm. It is important to closely monitor drug treatment with anthelmintics and corticosteroids. The doctor should be informed immediately if unusual symptoms occur. The causative pork must be identified if possible and presented to the doctor for a laboratory examination.

The cysticercosis should usually subside within a few days. The use of home remedies such as cooling pads or medicinal herbs can aid recovery. In order to avoid side effects, these measures should be discussed with the responsible doctor beforehand. The physician will primarily recommend rest and rest, accompanied by taking the prescribed medication.