Differences Between Tapeworms & Roundworms

Tapeworms and roundworms are often mistaken for each other or confused as being the same species. However, there are several differences between the two in terms of size, shape and color. Both are also fairly harmless and they differ in behavior and where they live.

Species and Size

• Tapeworms and roundworms differ insize and are actually different species of parasitic worm. Tapeworms tend to be thicker in size where as roundworms are more like the length and width of a piece of spaghetti. Both can occur in humans, however, both are more commonly found in domestic animals like cats and dogs.

Behavior

• Although different in size, both roundworms and tapeworms are very similar in behavior. Both hatch internally in the intestinal tract of mammals and live off food when it enters the digestive system. This can occur in any mammal, human or animal. They attach themselves to the wall of the stomach or intestines and secure themselves in an optimum position to feed off incoming food.

Human Health

• Both tapeworms and roundworms are similar in terms of not causing serious health problems. Tapeworm infestation is fairly harmless in the majority of cases. Having a tapeworm rarely leads to serious illness unless infestation occurs in someone who is already malnourished. Roundworms also do not usually cause any serious health problems either. The highest risk is that sometime roundworms raise the chances of developing infections in the liver or kidneys.

How to Treat

• Roundworms and tapeworms are easily treated with a visit to your doctor and a course of medication lasting around 1 week.