Cysticercus

Cysticercus is the larval stage of the tapeworm Taenia solium. It develops when a person ingests eggs from contaminated food, water, or feces. These eggs hatch in the intestines and travel through the bloodstream to tissues like muscles, eyes, or the brain, forming cyst-like structures called cysticerci. These cysts can cause health problems if they grow in vital organs, leading to conditions like neurocysticercosis, which affects the brain. Proper sanitation, cooking meat thoroughly, and good hygiene are essential to prevent infection.