Define Tapeworm

Tapeworms are parasitic worms that use animals and humans as hosts. Tapeworms are segmented, and each segment is able to produce eggs. A majority of people with tapeworm infections, often called taeniasis, are not aware of the parasites.

Types

• Several tapeworm species cause infections in humans. These include the pork tapeworm, the beef tapeworm, the dwarf tapeworm and the fish tapeworm. The most common tapeworm infection is the dwarf tapeworm.

Causes

• A tapeworm infection typically occurs when an individual ingests water, food or soil contaminated with tapeworm larvae or eggs. Adult tapeworms lay their eggs in animal or human feces.

Complications

• Some tapeworm eggs hatch into larvae that move out of the intestines and form cysts or lesions in other tissues and organs. Pork tapeworms cause a majority of invasive infections.

Intestinal Infection Symptoms

• Although most tapeworms don't cause any symptoms, some intestinal infections might trigger nausea, weakness, abdominal pain, diarrhea and weight loss.

Invasive Infection Symptoms

• Invasive tapeworm infections can cause organ and tissue damage, resulting in fever, bacterial infections and cystic masses. Tapeworm infections in the central nervous system can trigger seizures, visual impairment, headaches and dementia.

Considerations

• Mature tapeworms can grow up to 50 feet long and live up to 20 years. Dwarf tapeworms can complete their life cycles in a single host.