TAPEWORM

General Information

DEFINITION--An infestation of the intestinal tract by the tapeworm, a parasite. They are typically acquired from eating undercooked meat or fish. This is not contagious from person to person.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Intestinal tract.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes; all ages.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS--

Most people with this problem have no symptoms. However, some experience the following:

• Pain in the upper abdomen.
• Diarrhea.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Symptoms of anemia (weakness, fatigue and shortness of breath).
• Bowel movements containing worm eggs and worm body parts.

CAUSES--Intestinal parasites: Taenia saginata from beef, Taenia solium from pork, and Diphyllobothrium from fish. People become infected by eating improperly cooked or raw food infected with the parasite.

RISK INCREASES WITH--Travel to Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Mexico, Latin America, Japan, Africa, Russia, Asia and South America. This disorder is uncommon in the U.S.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Cook beef, pork, and fish thoroughly. Additional information available from the National Center for Nutrition (800)366-1655 or the Department of Agriculture Meat and Poultry Hotline (800)535-4555.
• Buy only meat that has been inspected.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory stool studies to identify the worm.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE--Doctor's treatment.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Anemia.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Usually curable in 1 day with treatment.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Wash your hands before eating.
• Have all family members examined by a doctor for possible infection.

MEDICATION--Your doctor will prescribe an anthelmintic drug to kill the parasite. The drug cures with a single dose. Laboratory studies should be repeated in 3-6 weeks to make sure disorder is cured.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of a tapeworm.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.