Infestation by worms that are carried in immature forms by animals, especially cattle, pigs, and fish. Tapeworm infestation occurs in humans after eating undercooked, infested animal products, such as beef, pork, and fish. The larvae enter a person’s intestines and within 2 months grow into adult tapeworms that attach to the intestinal wall.
These are ribbon-like worms that invade the intestines of both humans and animals. Tapeworms (known as cestodes) are typically contracted through the consumption of undercooked meat or fish. An adult tapeworm possesses a flattened, segmented body and is equipped with suckers or hooks on its head, enabling it to anchor onto the wall of the intestines.
Consuming undercooked, contaminated beef, pork, and fish can lead to the acquisition of three major species of tapeworms. These adult tapeworms can reach lengths of 6 to 9 meters. Generally, tapeworms of this kind have life cycles that often include another animal host. While tapeworms are found globally, countries with proper meat inspection and sewage disposal measures largely prevent infestations.
The dwarf tapeworm, significantly smaller at just 2.5 cm in length, can be contracted when worm eggs in human feces are inadvertently transferred to fingers and subsequently to the mouth. This particular worm is predominantly found in tropical regions and primarily impacts children.
Humans can also serve as intermediate hosts for the larvae of a tapeworm that primarily infects dogs.
Despite their size, tapeworms originating from beef, pork, and fish typically result in only mild abdominal discomfort or diarrhea. Nevertheless, if pork worm eggs are consumed, the hatched larvae can tunnel into tissues and form cysts. This leads to cysticercosis, characterized by symptoms like muscle pain and convulsions. In rare instances, fish tapeworms can lead to anemia. Tapeworm larvae obtained from dogs mature and develop into cysts within the liver and lungs, a condition known as hydatid disease.
Diagnosis is established by detecting worm segments or eggs in the feces. Treatment with anthelmintic medications is generally successful.