From the Guidelines
Tapeworm infection symptoms are usually asymptomatic, but may be associated with minor abdominal symptoms, and segments may be passed in stool or may actively expel themselves per rectum. The symptoms of a Taenia (tapeworm) infection can vary, but according to the most recent evidence 1, the clinical presentation is often mild.
Key Symptoms
- Minor abdominal symptoms
- Segments may be passed in stool
- Segments may actively expel themselves per rectum It is essential to note that the incubation period of Taenia infection is between 8-14 weeks 1. The mode of transmission is through the consumption of undercooked or raw beef (T. saginata) or pork (T. solium) 1.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis can be made through concentrated stool microscopy for ova or worm segment (proglottid) 1. Treatment typically involves a single dose of praziquantel 10 mg/kg 1. It is crucial to establish the species of infecting tapeworm to rule out coexisting neurocysticercosis, which requires different treatment 1. If the infecting species is T. solium or unknown, consider cysticercosis serology 1.
From the Research
Symptoms of Taenia Infection
The symptoms of a Taenia (tapeworm) infection can vary depending on the type of tapeworm and the location of the infection. Some common symptoms include:
- Seizures, headaches, and focal neurologic symptoms, which can occur in cases of neurocysticercosis, a condition caused by the larval stage of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium 2
- Visual disturbances, which can occur in cases of ocular cysticercosis 2
- Localized skeletal muscle nodules and pain, which can occur in cases of muscular cysticercosis 2
- Anemia, which can occur in cases of Diphyllobothrium latum infection, a type of tapeworm transmitted through the eating of raw salmon 3
- Intestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea, which can occur in cases of intestinal tapeworm infections, such as those caused by Taenia saginata and Taenia solium 3, 4
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of tapeworm infections often requires a skilled laboratory, as serological tests are unavailable 5. Treatment typically involves the use of anthelmintic drugs, such as:
- Praziquantel, which is effective against a wide range of tapeworm species, including Taenia saginata and Taenia solium 3, 4, 5, 6
- Albendazole, which is used to treat parenchymal neurocysticercosis, in conjunction with steroids and antiepileptic medications 2
- Niclosamide, which is used to treat intestinal tapeworm infections, including those caused by Taenia saginata and Taenia solium 4, 5
- Nitazoxanide, which is used to treat niclosamide- and praziquantel-resistant beef tapeworm infections 4