Types of Tapeworm

Tapeworms are a parasitic flatworm that infects humans and animals and grows to alarming lengths. If food is eaten that contains tapeworm cysts or larvae, you may unknowingly become a host. The six types of tapeworm include beef, pork, fish, dog, rodent and dwarf.

Types

• Beef and fish tapeworm can be ingested in undercooked meet that is infected with cysts or larvae. The pork tapeworm can be ingested or contamination can occur just by hand-to-mouth contact from an infected surface. Rodent tapeworm can be transferred to humans via fleas, cockroaches and beetles. Dog tapeworms can be passed to humans if a flea or louse is accidentally swallowed.

Sizes

• According to Healthinplainenglish.com, beef and fish tapeworms can grow up to 25-feet-long in your intestine. A pork tapeworm can grow up to 21-feet. A rodent tapeworm can grow up to 20-inches in length. A dog tapeworm can grow up to 24-inches, and a dwarf tapeworm, the smallest, can grow up to 12-inches in length.

Diagnosis

• A blood test and/or a stool sample may reveal the presence of tapeworms in humans.

Prevention/Solution

• When preparing food, always wash your hands, especially after handling raw meat. Use proper disinfectants to clean your food preparation areas. Avoid consuming undercooked or raw meats, such as sushi or steak.

Warning

• Pork tapeworm can cause considerable damage to other organs. The cysts and larvae can travel through your blood and infect the brain, eyes, muscles and the spinal cord.