Taeniasis & Cysticercosis

This is one out of 6 Neglected Tropical Diseases caused by worms. Taeniasis is an intestinal infection that may develop into a condition called cysticercosis, which is also occasionally acquired on its own. These very uncomfortable diseases start off when one is exposed to contaminated soil, food or water, containing tapeworm eggs. Once these eggs enter one's body it can either infect the gut or the nervous system (brain and spinal cord), causing taeniasis or neurocysticercosis, respectively. As the eggs mature into worms, the body will try to fight off the infecting agent, or pathogen, resulting in abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea, and in the worst cases, headaches, blindness and seizures; but sometimes it can be completely asymptomatic.