Taenia infection overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Taenia infection is an infection with the tapeworm parasite found in beef or pork.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Both species, Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm) and T. solium are worldwide in distribution. Taenia solium is more prevalent in poorer communities where humans live in close contact with pigs and eat undercooked pork, and is very rare in Muslim countries.
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
With treatment, the taenia infection goes away. Rarely, worms can cause a blockage in the intestine. If pork tapeworm larvae move out of the intestine, they can cause local growths and damage tissues such as the brain, eye, or heart. This condition is called cysticercosis. Infection of the brain can cause seizures and other nervous system problems.
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Taenia saginata taeniasis produces only mild abdominal symptoms or may not cause any symptoms. However, some people may have abdominal discomfort. The most striking feature consists of the passage (active and passive) of proglottids. Occasionally, appendicitis or cholangitis can result from migrating proglottids. Taenia solium taeniasis is less frequently symptomatic than Taenia saginata taeniasis. The main symptom is often the passage (passive) of proglottids. The most important feature of Taenia solium taeniasis is the risk of development of cysticercosis. People often realize they are infected when they pass segments of the worm in their stool, especially if the segments are moving.
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Treatment is simple and very effective. Praziquantel is the drug of choice (This drug is approved by the FDA, but considered investigational for this purpose).
Primary Prevention
In the U.S., laws on feeding practices and the inspection of domestic food animals have largely eliminated tapeworms. Avoiding raw meat and cooking meat well enough (to greater than 140 degrees F for 5 minutes) will prevent taenia infection. Freezing meats to -4 degrees F for 24 hours also kills tapeworm eggs. Good hygiene and hand washing after using the toilet will prevent self-infection in a person who is already infected with tapeworms.