View source for Tapeworm infection

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Adult '''tapeworm infection''' is the infection of the [[digestive tract]] by [[parasite|parasitic]] [[flatworm]]s called [[cestode]]s or Woods.  Live tapeworm larvae are sometimes ingested by consuming undercooked food.  Once inside the digestive tract, the larva grows into an adult tapeworm, which can live for years and grow very large.  Additionally, many tapeworm larvae cause symptoms in an [[intermediate host]].  For example, [[cysticercosis]] is a disease of humans involving larval tapeworms in the human body.

==Common types==
Among the most commonly tapeworms in humans are the [[pork tapeworm]], the [[beef tapeworm]], the [[fish tapeworm]], and the [[dwarf tapeworm]].  Infections involving the pork and beef tapeworms are also called '''taeniasis'''.  Tapeworms of the genus [[Echinococcus]] also infect animals and humans, and cause the most harm to intermediate hosts such as sheep and cattle. Infection with this type of tapeworm is referred to as [[Echinococcosis]] or hydatid disease. Symptoms vary widely, as do treatment options, and these issues are discussed in detail in the individual articles on each worm.  With a few notable exceptions like the fish tapeworm, most cestodes that infect humans and livestock are [[Cyclophyllidea|cyclophyllid]]s, and can be identified as such by the presence of four suckers on their [[scolex]] or "head."

==Occurrence==
Most occurrences are found in areas which lack adequate [[sanitation]] and included China and East Africa.<ref>[http://aapredbook.aappublications.org/cgi/content/extract/2006/1/3.127 American Academy of Pediatrics: Tapeworm]</ref>

==See also==
* [[Ascariasis]], an unrelated common disease caused by the parasitic roundworm ''Ascaris lumbricoides''

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
* [http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001391.htm Taeniasis] - by A.D.A.M., Inc.
[[Category:Foodborne illnesses]][[Category:Parasitic diseases]]


[[es:Teniasis]]
[[zh:绦虫感染]]

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