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Tapeworms in Meat

Raw meats can contain parasitic organisms such as tapeworms, and humans could become infected with these tapeworms if they consume undercooked meat or certain types of freshwater fish. Tapeworms can grow up to 50 feet long and can live for up to 20 years in a person's body. An adult tapeworm consists of a head, neck and chains of segments called proglottids. In instances of infection, the tapeworm head attaches to the intestinal wall and the proglottids grow and produce eggs. While all tapeworms are parasitic flatworms, there are different types, as classified by their source.

  1. Beef Tapeworm

    • Tapeworms are rampant in farm areas where cattle are raised. Tapeworm larvae exist in animal muscle tissue. These larvae can be passed on to humans who eat raw or undercooked meat from affected animals. Larvae then develop into adult tapeworms in human intestines. Those who are exposed to livestock, such as cattle, may be at increased risk for tapeworm infection. Eliminate livestock exposure to tapeworm eggs through proper disposal of animal and human feces.

    Pork Tapeworm

    • The pork tapeworm is most common in Mexico, South America, Eastern Europe, India, China and Southeast Asia. In addition to eating undercooked pork, infection by the pork tapeworm can occur through consumption of contaminated food or water. Also, hand-to-mouth contact after touching something that contains the pork tapeworm cysts may result in infection. One potentially dangerous complication of a pork tapeworm infection is a disease called cysticerci, where larvae or cysts penetrate the intestine and travel through the bloodstream. This invasive infection can attack various parts of the body, including the brain, spinal cord and muscles. Death can occur in severe cases.

    Fish Tapeworm

    • Fish tapeworm infections are most common in Europe, Japan, North and South America and parts of Africa. A fish tapeworm infection may result from consuming raw or undercooked freshwater fish, such as salmon. The most common complication from a fish tapeworm is anemia, because the fish tapeworm absorbs an abnormally high amount of vitamin B12 -- a vitamin necessary for red blood cells to mature -- from the infected person's system.

    Symptoms, Treatments and Prevention

    • Symptoms of tapeworm infection may vary depending on the type of tapeworm and its location in the body. General symptoms of intestinal infection include nausea, weakness, loss of appetite, diarrhea and weight loss. Invasive infections occur when tapeworm larvae have migrated from the intestines to other tissues and organs. Invasive infection symptoms include seizures, fever, bacterial infections and neurological symptoms (such as seizures). Common treatments for intestinal tapeworm infections include oral medications that are toxic to the tapeworm. Treatments for invasive tapeworm infection are more complex and may include anti-inflammatory medications, anti-epileptic therapy and even surgery. To prevent tapeworm infection altogether, cook pork, beef or fish thoroughly at temperatures at least 125 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, prepare other meats -- such as lamb or venison -- in the same manner. Freeze meats and fish for at least 48 hours at temperatures below 14 degrees Fahrenheit, as the cold temperatures will kill tapeworm eggs and larvae.

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