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Pork Tapeworm Life Cycle

Humans and pigs can contract tapeworms. Swine show no outward symptoms, but humans can suffer from diarrhea, constipation or abdominal pain from a tapeworm infection. Tapeworms can also attach to other areas of the human body.

  1. Egg Stage

    • An adult tapeworm sends out eggs through the digestive system of a human. The pig eats food or drinks water that has been contaminated by human feces that contain tapeworm eggs.

    Tapeworm Development

    • The tapeworm is ingested, and the eggs hatch inside the pig or other host. Usually, the eggs will hatch inside the pig's stomach, where the tapeworm will grow until adulthood.

    Attachment and Growth

    • The tapeworm attaches itself to the stomach and grows to adulthood. Mature tapeworms can reach lengths of 2 to 7 meters. Adult tapeworms can lay up to 1000 eggs a day. This parasite reaches the adult phase in about two months.

    Reinfection

    • The tapeworm releases its eggs through the infected animal's digestive track. If a human or pig eats a contaminated food item, the cycle starts all over. Proper preparation of pork eliminates the risk of tapeworm infection for humans and pigs.

    Additional Human Complications

    • Tapeworms can cause cysts in humans that must be removed by a doctor. The most serious form occurs when a tapeworm lodges itself in the brain. Cysts that develop in muscles can be extremely painful. Tapeworm sufferers should consult a doctor for the proper treatment.

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