These cestodes usually infect the intestinal tract, but Taenia solium may also invade the CNS. Transmission is by ingesting cysts in raw or undercooked meat. Taenia solium transmission may also occur via the fecal-oral route, which increases chance of CNS involvement. T. saginata is prevalent in Ethiopia, Kenya, the Middle East, Yugoslavia, Mexico, and parts of South America and Eastern Europe. T. solium is found in Europe, Latin America, India, and China. Infection in the USA is rare. Taeniasis is usually asymptomatic. Mild abdominal symptoms may include epigastric discomfort, increased hunger, diarrhea, nausea, and weight loss. Death of cysts can elicit an intense inflammatory tissue response, with symptoms appearing 4 to 5 years after infection. Infection of the brain or CNS (neurocysticercosis) can cause severe symptoms including seizures, altered mental status, focal neurological signs, and aseptic meningitis.
For treatment of intestinal infection praziquantel (5-10 mg/kg x 1 dose, adult dose) is recommended. An alternative is niclosamide (2 g x 1 dose, adult dose). Not all patients with neurocysticercosis should be treated, as the inflammatory response to treatment may be more damaging than the disease.
Taenia
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