The things you learn in vet school

In parasitology class this week, we are learning about swine parasites. Many of the parasites are zoonotic, meaning that humans can be infected as well. For instance, Tenia solium, a pork tape worm, is a parasite transmitted between humans and pigs. People become infected with the adult tapeworm form of the parasite by eating infected raw or undercooked pork. Eggs of the tape worm then pass out of the body in the infected persons stool and can be ingested by free roaming pigs if the people happen to defecate out doors(which is very common in underdeveloped countries).The pigs then develop the immature larval form of the parasite and this causes numerous cysts to form in the muscle tissue, heart and brain(called the cysticercus). If the pig is infected the pork is not fit for consumption and should be condemned. However in underdeveloped countries they do not have proper slaughter houses, nor do they have many meat inspections, so the pork can be sold to market with the infective cysts. Another way that a human can become infected with the cystic larval form of the parasite is by actually ingesting Tenia solium eggs, either from direct contact with a human tapeworm carrier, or from contaminated food or water(so even if you do not consume pork or are around pigs, you can still become infected with the parasite). When a human ingests the egg the cysts will often develop in the brain causing a condition called Neuorcysticercosis, which can cause sever headaches, epileptic seizures and even death. I was so excited to see that Grey's Anatomy recently did and episode involving Tenia solium and neurocysticercosis. If you listen closely, you can hear them say that Archer was infected because he ate unwashed fruit in Mexico, and he didn't even have to be near or consume a pig. Just goes to show how important good hygiene is, especially when you are in underdeveloped countries. And it also shows how awesome veterinarians are, I'm just saying! :)

PS. if the video is choppy, press play, then pause and let it load, they press play again and it should be good to go!