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FeedbackCysticercosis and taeniasis are parasitic infections caused by the pork tapeworm Taenia solium during separate phases of its two-part life cycle. Cysticercosis results from infection of T. solium cystic larvae throughout the body (eg, in the muscular system); taeniasis, by contrast, is caused by adult T. solium tapeworms living within the intestinal tract. Taeniasis and muscular cysticercosis tend to be mild or asymptomatic, whereas cysticercosis infection within the central nervous system (CNS), known as neurocysticercosis (NCC), can involve serious or even life-threatening symptoms. Recommended testing methods vary depending on whether cysticercosis or taeniasis is suspected. Cysticercosis and NCC are typically diagnosed through a combination of serologic testing and CNS imaging. Taeniasis can be detected through stool microscopy.
Quick Answers for Clinicians
Cysticercosis (infection by T. solium cystic larvae) develops within the muscular system or central nervous system (CNS) following the accidental fecal-oral transmission of ova, whereas taeniasis (intestinal infection by adult-stage T. solium) occurs when undercooked meat containing cystic larvae is consumed. Individuals at risk of infection include those who have lived or extensively traveled in endemic areas (eg, developing regions where humans have close contact with host animals). Notably, individuals with taeniasis and those who have had close contact with taeniasis-infected individuals are also at risk of developing cysticercosis, as tapeworm ova are shed in their stool and can lead to infection. Although rare, transmission is possible in nonendemic areas.
The symptoms of cysticercosis infection vary depending on the location, size, stage, and quantity of the encysted larvae (cysticerci) present. Infection in most locations of the body causes few or no symptoms, whereas individuals with neurocysticercosis (NCC) may experience seizures (present in up to 90% of symptomatic cases), intracranial hypertension, chronic meningitis, hydrocephalus, and other neurologic manifestations. Testing for cysticercosis is appropriate in symptomatic individuals when other common etiologies (eg, vasculitis, primary brain tumors, etc.) have been ruled out. Testing may also be appropriate in individuals diagnosed with taeniasis and members of their household when clinical assessment reveals signs that point to cysticercosis.
Because laboratory testing and central nervous system (CNS) imaging vary in diagnostic utility depending on an infection’s characteristics (eg, location, size, stage, and larva quantity), a combined testing approach for cysticercosis, including neurocysticercosis, is recommended to confirm infection and inform treatment strategy. For example, when infection is not extensive, serology may yield a false-negative result, whereas CNS imaging may indicate the need for treatment. Positive serology with negative imaging is also possible.
Yes. To help increase the probability of an accurate diagnosis of neurocysticercosis (NCC), a panel of neurologic and infectious disease experts has released a list of stratified criteria for NCC diagnosis. These criteria also include an interpretive framework for defining diagnoses as definitive or probable. For specific information, refer to the Revised diagnostic criteria for neurocysticercosis.
Indications for Testing
Laboratory testing for cysticercosis is indicated in symptomatic individuals who are considered at risk when other common etiologies have been ruled out. Testing for taeniasis is indicated in at-risk individuals who report a history of expelling proglottids. In light of a cysticercosis or taeniasis diagnosis, subsequent testing for concurrent T. solium infections may also be indicated.
Laboratory Testing
When suspicion of cysticercosis (including NCC) exists, noncontrast computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the CNS should be followed up with confirmatory serologic testing. Notably, the CDC recommends the use of serology even when imaging does not identify the presence of cysticerci in the CNS, given that infection may be present elsewhere in the body.
For those with suspected taeniasis, intestinal infection can be identified through stool microscopy. Additional methods to detect taeniasis (ie, coproantigen, nucleic acid-based, and serologic testing) are currently only available on a research basis.
Subsequent testing via serology and/or stool microscopy is recommended in diagnosed individuals and members of their household to identify other possible T. solium infections that may be present. The following table summarizes the recommended additional testing for individuals diagnosed with cysticercosis and taeniasis.
| Diagnosis | Additional Testing |
|---|---|
|
Cysticercosis |
Test patient and household for taeniasis via stool microscopy |
|
Taeniasis |
Clinically assess patient and household for cysticercosis; consider imaging and serology when signs and symptoms suggest the possibility of cysticercosis |
Serology
The enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB, or Western blot) test is widely preferred to detect anticysticercal antibodies and can be performed using serum (considered more sensitive ) or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). EITB testing may be found on a limited basis through commercial laboratories and can also be ordered directly through the CDC. Where EITB is unavailable, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) can be used for antigen detection and antibody detection, although the latter application is subject to cross-reactivity with other helminth organisms (eg, Echinococcus and Schistosoma). Serologic testing may vary in sensitivity based on the characteristics of infection (eg, severity and viability ); therefore, a negative result should not be interpreted as ruling out infection.
Stool Microscopy
Microscopic demonstration of ova and proglottids, typically within a fecal sample, is currently the only commercial means to diagnose taeniasis. Analysis of three fecal samples collected on separate days is recommended to increase testing sensitivity. Repeat testing may increase the probability of detecting minor infections.
Taeniasis can occur due to other Taenia species. Because T. solium diagnoses entail subsequent testing, species identification via stool microscopy is recommended when possible. Mature proglottid or scolex examination is the primary means of identifying T. solium; the microscopic detection of ova is insufficient to provide a species-specific diagnosis.
ARUP Laboratory Tests
Use to detect the presence of CSF IgG antibodies to T. solium if clinical suspicion of cysticercosis exists
Semi-Quantitative Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Use to detect the presence of IgG antibodies to T. solium in serum if clinical suspicion of cysticercosis exists
Semi-Quantitative Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Use to detect the presence of T. solium ova and proglottids within a fecal sample
Qualitative Concentration/Trichrome Stain/Microscopy
References
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CDC - Travel-related infectious diseases: cysticercosis
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Travel-related infectious diseases: cysticercosis. In: Traveler’s Health. [Last reviewed: Jun 2019; Accessed: Aug 2021]
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CDC - Parasites - cysticercosis: epidemiology
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Parasites - cysticercosis: epidemiology and risk factors. [Last reviewed: Apr 2014; Accessed: Aug 2021]
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CDC - DPDx-laboratory identification-cysticerocosis
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. DPDx - Laboratory identification of parasites of public health concern: cysticerocosis. [Last reviewed: Jul 2019; Accessed: Aug 2021]
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CDC - Parasites-cysticerocis-health professionals
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Parasites - cysticerocis: resources for health professionals. [Last reviewed: Oct 2020; Accessed: Aug 2021]
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Zammarchi L, Bonati M, Strohmeyer M, et al. Screening, diagnosis and management of human cysticercosis and Taenia solium taeniasis: technical recommendations by the COHEMI project study group. Trop Med Int Health. 2017;22(7):881-894.
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Del Brutto OH, Nash TE, White AC Jr, et al. Revised diagnostic criteria for neurocysticercosis. J Neurol Sci. 2017;372:202-210.
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CDC - Parasites - cysticercosis: diagnosis
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Parasites - cysticercosis: diagnosis. [Last reviewed: Apr 2014; Accessed: Aug 2021]
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White AC Jr, Coyle CM, Rajshekhar V, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of neurocysticercosis: 2017 Clinical practice guidelines by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH). Clin Infect Dis. 2018;66(8):1159-1163.
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CDC - Parasites - taeniasis: health professionals
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Parasites - taeniasis: resources for health professionals. [Last reviewed: Oct 2020; Accessed: Aug 2021]
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CDC - ID Lab: test order-cysticercosis
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infectious Disease Laboratories: Test order—cysticercosis serology. [Last reviewed: Jun 2020; Accessed: Aug 2021]
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