Cysticercus Antibody (Parasites)

Cysticercosis is caused by infection with the larval form (cysticercus) of the pork tapeworm Taenia solium. Clinical manifestations of cysticercosis most commonly result from the lodging of cysticerci in brain and neural tissue. Common symptoms of neurocysticercosis include seizures and convulsions. Antibodies from other parasitic infections, especially echinococcosis, may cross-react in the Cysticercus IgG ELISA.

The pork tapeworm responsible for causing cysticercosis is endemic to many parts of the developing world, including Latin America, Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that cysticercosis affects about 50-100 million people worldwide. The incidence of cysticercosis has increased in the United States due to increased immigration from developing countries. Approximately 1,000 new cases of cysticercosis in the United States are reported annually.