|  | Conditions Treatments | Medical Conditions

Signs of Having Tapeworms

A tapeworm infection may not always present with symptoms. Depending on the tapeworm and severity of infestation, a tapeworm infection can be moderate. However, if a tapeworm infection becomes invasive, whereby tapeworm larvae migrate to tissues and organs within your body, a tapeworm infection can lead to complications. Lesions and cysts may develop, causing the rupturing of blood vessels.

  1. Taenia solium

    • Taenia solium can cause an infection known as cysticercosis. Cysts can develop throughout your body when you ingest the larvae of Taenia solium. Taenia solium is usually found in undercooked pork meat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, signs of having cysticercosis can vary depending on the severity of your infection. Some signs of cysticercosis include lumps under the skin, blurry vision and eye infections that can lead to retina detachment.

    Neurocysticercosis

    • Neurocysticercosis is a tapeworm infeciton of the brain.

      Neurocysticercosis is a more serious complication of ingesting pork tapeworm eggs. If tapeworm larvae enter your brain and form lesions, signs of a tapeworm infection can include headaches and seizures. As the infection progresses in your brain, confusion, loss of balance and swelling of your brain will occur. Without treatment, death can result.

    Dwarf Tapeworm

    • The Hymenolepis nana, or dwarf tapeworm, can be ingested by swallowing tapeworm eggs by eating foods that contain fecal matter. According to the CDC, many people who become infected with the dwarf tapeworm may not experience symptoms. If you do suffer from an infection, some signs can include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, anal itching and loss of appetite.

    Diphyllobothrium latum

    • Diphyllobothrium latum is found in improperly prepared fish.

      Diphyllobothrium latum is a tapeworm that is commonly found in fish. This type of tapeworm is among the largest found within humans. An infection from Diphyllobothrium latum can last for decades before you begin to experience any signs of infection. When symptoms begin to appear, you may suffer from abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea and the loss of weight. Intestinal blockages can occur, as well as developing a decrease in red bloods cells due to a vitamin B12 deficiency. Gallstones and inflammation of the bile duct can develop.

Medical Conditions - Related Articles