Diagnosis of Tapeworms

Tapeworm infections may occur in two forms in humans. When a tapeworm is ingested as an egg, it will develop as larvae that can potentially migrate out of the intestine into other tissues and form cysts. If a tapeworm is ingested as larvae, it may develop in the intestines into an adult tapeworm. The dwarf tapeworm is the most common tapeworm infection found in humans. Flatworms found in beef or pork can grow 15 to 30 feet long.

Identification

• Outward symptoms do not typically occur with an intestinal tapeworm infection. Adult tapeworms are called proglottids. Portions of adult tapeworms may be found in stool. Symptoms may include nausea, weakness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, abdominal pain and weight loss. Invasive infection occurs when the larvae of a tapeworm forms cysts in other tissues when it moves out of the intestines. Invasive tapeworm infections can cause fever, cystic masses or lumps, bacterial infections and allergic reactions to the larvae. If the brain is involved, neurological symptoms or seizures can occur.

Types

• Several tapeworm species are commonly found in humans: the pork tapeworm (Taenia solium), beef tapeworm (Taenia saginata), dwarf tapeworm (Hymenolepis nana), and fish tapeworm (Diphyllobothrium latum) from raw freshwater fish. Certain types of tapeworms can pass through the body and exit through the stool. Some other species of tapeworms can cause mild inflammation or irritation if the tapeworm attaches itself to the intestine. The dwarf tapeworm can complete the cycle of life from an egg to larva into an adult tapeworm while living in the human body.

Considerations

• Certain factors may raise the risk of a tapeworm infection. Frequent visits to developing countries can raise the risk of tapeworm infection. Tapeworms most commonly occur in countries with sub-standard sanitation. They are also found in areas with more livestock exposure as well as areas that do not properly dispose of animal and human feces. Tapeworms are not killed in undercooked or raw contaminated beef and pork. Proper hygiene, to avoid accidental contaminated matter in the mouth, is also an effective means of avoiding tapeworm infection.

Misconceptions

• In the Western world many believe that tapeworms are not truly serious, and are a 'myth'; it is also commonly believed that any organisms seen by the naked eye are not harmful to the human body. But visible parasites found in humans--such as yeast and fungal infections, protozoan infestation and tapeworms--can potentially produce severe damage to organs, as well as great discomfort.

Prevention/Solution:

• To help prevent tapeworm infection it is best to thoroughly wash your hands before eating or preparing food, and after using the bathroom. Wash all fruits and vegetables in places where tapeworm is found. To kill tapeworm egg or larvae in meat, cook it at 150 F. Keep fish frozen for 24 hours (12 hours for red meat) to kill tapeworm eggs and larvae. Do not eat raw or undercooked pork, beef or fish.