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Tapeworms
Medical Questions » Tapeworms
| Name: Tapeworms |
| Also known as: Gestode Infestation; Taeniasis |
| Six different types of tapeworm {Taeniasis) can infect man. They vary in length from half a centimeter (dwarf tapeworm) to more than 25 meters (beef tapeworm) and are members of a class of worms known as Cestodes. Tapeworms were named because they are divided into segments in much the same way as a tape measure. At one end there is a head (scolex) that has a large sucker on it, and this is used to attach the worm to the inside of the gut. |
Causes of Tapeworms
Mature tapeworms that live in the gut of humans or other animals. Segments that are full of eggs constantly drop off from the end of the worm and pass out with the feces and remain in the soil until eaten by another animal. When the egg is swallowed, it hatches an embryo that burrows into the muscle of the animal and remains there for the rest of that animal' s life. If the animal' s flesh is eaten, the embryo enters the gut of the new host, attaches to it and grows into a mature tapeworm. Tiny tapeworm embryos may be found in the flesh of cattle, pigs, and fish but are destroyed by cooking. Less common tapeworms can be transmitted by fleas and other insects from rats and dogs to man, and another uncommon form passes directly from the gut of one human to another through feces and contaminated food. Tapeworms may be caught in many parts of the world but are rare in developed countries. |
Symptoms of Tapeworms
There may be no symptoms until the number of worms present is quite high when nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, hunger, weight loss and tiredness may occur. Sometimes patients find segments of the worm in their underclothes or bedding. |
Tests for Tapeworms
Confirmed by examining the faeces under a microscope for the presence of segments or eggs. |
Treatment for Tapeworms
Cured by appropriate medication.
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Complications of Tapeworms of its treatment
Except for the rare cases where the embryo stage spreads to the brain, there are no long-term complications after treatment. |
Likely Outcome of Tapeworms
Good with correct treatment. |
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