Tapeworm infections occur when a person ingests undercooked or raw meat, pork, or fish that contains tapeworm larvae. Common types include Taenia saginata (from beef), Taenia solium (from pork), and Diphyllobothrium latum (from fish).
If you suspect a tapeworm infection, you can get a personalised consultation with a licensed doctor through Hope Plus. They can guide you on testing, treatment, and ongoing care without having to leave home.
Symptoms of Tapeworm Infection
- Adult tapeworms (T. saginata, T. solium): Often cause no symptoms, but some people may notice passing worm segments in stool, mild abdominal pain, diarrhoea, or weight loss.
- Cysticercosis (larvae of T. solium): When larvae travel to muscles or other organs, symptoms may include muscle pains, weakness, fever, or small lumps under the skin.
- Neurocysticercosis: If the brain is affected, it can cause headaches, seizures, confusion, coma, or epilepsy.
- Ocular involvement: Can cause eye problems such as abnormal eye movement, inflammation, or swelling behind the eye.
- D. latum (fish tapeworm): Usually mild, but in rare cases, it can lead to megaloblastic anaemia.
Diagnosis
- Laboratory stool tests can detect eggs or worm segments.
- For cysticercosis, blood tests may show elevated eosinophils, and imaging (CT or MRI) is needed to locate larvae in organs.
Treatment of Tapeworm Infection
- Adult tapeworms: Treated with Praziquantel (5–10 mg/kg single dose) or Niclosamide. Dosage depends on age:
- Adults and children over 6 years: 2 g single dose
- Children 2–6 years: 1 g single dose
- Children under 2 years: 500 mg single dose
- Bisacodyl may be given 2 hours after medication to help expel the worm.
- Cysticercosis: Requires referral to a specialised facility. Treating without proper imaging can worsen symptoms and may be life-threatening. Neurosurgical intervention may be needed in severe cases.
Prevention
- Cook all meat, pork, and fish thoroughly.
- Wash hands regularly and maintain good personal hygiene.
- Cut nails short and dispose of human waste safely.
