Tapeworm Symptoms in Humans

Tapeworms can infect the human body when you consume contaminated liquids or meat, such as pork, beef or fish. Tapeworms usually do not cause any serious conditions when localized in the intestines. The majority of the people who experience side effects from the infection have ingested tapeworm eggs, which travel through the intestines and are able to infect other organs through the bloodstream.

Types

• Four different tapeworms are found in humans. The dwarf tapeworm (Hymenolepis nana) is the most prevalent tapeworm diagnosed in the world and is caused by digesting contaminated fecal matter. The pork tapeworm (Taenia solium) and beef tapeworm (Taenia saginata) result from digesting raw or contaminated beef or pork. The pork tapeworm is responsible for the formation of cysts when the parasite travels your intestines. The fish tapeworm (Diphyllobothrium latum) is the largest but least common and is caused when you ingest raw or contaminated fish.

Life Stages

• Tapeworm infection can happen while the parasite is in two different life stages. When you ingest contaminated fecal matter, the tapeworm is in its egg form and will develop into the larvae form while in the intestine. When ingested as eggs, the parasites more likely to penetrate the intestine when it develops into larvae and travels through your bloodstream, causing cysts in your tissues. The development of these cysts is called Cysticercosis. When ingested as larvae, the tapeworms grow into adults and may stay in the intestine or digest themselves through the host's body.

Side Effects

• Side effects commonly go unnoticed with a tapeworm infection. When the infection is localized in the intestine, the effects are usually mild--an upset stomach, queasiness, loss of appetite, diarrhea and weight loss or detection of worms in stool. If the infection is more serious and the parasite has traveled out of the intestine and developed Cysticercosis, there could be internal damage along with fever, bacterial infection, vision loss, headaches and seizures.

Prevention

• Tapeworm is easily prevented by never eating raw or undercooked beef, fish or pork. Wash your hands thoroughly after using the restroom and before and after handling food. Always wash produce before eating it. Tapeworm also can be transferred from your pet, so never let your dog go untreated. When traveling, drink only bottled or boiled water to decrease risks.

Treatment

• Most cases are easily treated orally with anti-parasitic drugs, which kill the larvae, and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce any swelling caused by cysts. While taking the oral prescription, it is still important to remember to wash your hands so you do not infect yourself with the tapeworm eggs. In more severe cases, cysts may need to be removed by surgery.