Tapeworm - MedFriendly.com

ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TAPEWORMS?

Yes. There are many different types of tapeworms. There are some tapeworms that are specifically found

in beef, some that are found in pork, and some that are found in fish. In the United States, beef and fish

tapeworms are uncommon and the pork tapeworm is extremely rare. Another type of tapeworm is called

the dwarf tapeworm, so named because it is only one inch long. The dwarf tapeworm is present all over

the world, but is especially found in tropical areas. The dwarf tapeworm mostly affects children.

As will be discussed below, some forms of tapeworms can cause a condition known as hydatid disease.

One such tapeworm is called the hydatid tapeworm. There is also a tapeworm found in sheep that is

referred to as the fringed tapeworm of sheep. Its scientific name is Thysanosoma actinoides. The

scientific name for the pork tapeworm is Taenia solium. The scientific name for the beef tapeworm is

Taenia saginata. The scientific name for the broad fish tapeworm is Diphyllobothrium latum. The

scientific name for the dwarf tapeworm is Hymenolepsis nana. The scientific name for the hydatid

tapeworm is Echinococcus granulosis.

WHAT LEADS PEOPLE AND OTHER ANIMALS TO GET TAPEWORMS?

Early, immature forms of tapeworms can be present in some types of infected beef, pork, and fish.

Cooking the fish and meat long enough will kill the tapeworms. Tapeworms are usually acquired when

people eat meat or fish that has not been cooked enough. The tapeworms produce eggs in the intestines

which then get passed out of the body in the feces (poop). If human feces wind up in the environment (due

to poor sewage, for example) the tapeworm eggs may wind up in soil, grass, and water. When this

happens, other animals, such as cows, dogs, pigs, and fish may consume the tapeworm eggs.

The tapeworms can then break out of the eggs when they are inside the animal's intestines. The first form

of the tapeworm (known as a hexacanth) attaches itself to the wall of the intestine and continues to grow

and develop. The tapeworm will develop into an adult when it is passed on to live in another organism. For

example, the tapeworm can be in preadult form when it lives in a human and can develop into an adult form

when it is passed on to a dog. From the above information, you can see that tapeworms can live in more

than one animal at different points in their lives.

Another way that people acquire tapeworms is by touching feces that have tapeworm eggs in them and

later putting their fingers in their mouths. Although it may seem like common sense not to do this, it can

happen by accident.

WHAT ARE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OFTAPEWORMS INFESTATION?

Although beef, pork, and fish tapeworms can be very large, they rarely cause symptoms except for

diarrhea and an upset stomach. Dwarf tapeworms also cause these symptoms. One sign of having

tapeworms can be if pieces of the tapeworm break apart and come out through the anus (the area of the

body that feces comes out of) or appear in the feces.

Tapeworms can lead to cysts in an animal's muscles and other organs. A cyst is an abnormal lump,

swelling, or sac that contains fluid, a part solid material, or a gas, and is covered with a membrane. A

membrane is a thin layer of flexible tissue that covers something. The cysts can develop in organs such

as the liver and lungs, a condition known as hydatid disease. The liver is the largest organ in the body and

is responsible for filtering (removing) harmful chemical substances, producing important chemicals for the

body, and other important functions. The lungs are two organs in the body that help people breathe. The

cysts can also form in the brain, a condition known as neurocysticercosis.

HOW ARE TAPEWORMS DIAGNOSED?

Tapeworms are diagnosed when a doctor finds segments of the worms and/or eggs present in the feces.

HOW ARE TAPEWORMS TREATED?

Tapeworms are treated by giving the person or animal medications that kill the worms. Treating pork

tapeworms can be difficult because the eggs may get pushed back into the stomach. If this happens, the

tapeworms can get deep into the tissues and form cysts. This can lead to a condition known as

cysticercosis, in which muscle pains and convulsions occur. Convulsions are abnormal, severe,

involuntary muscle movements. See the signs and symnptoms section for a description of cysts.

CAN TAPEWORMS BE PREVENTED?

Yes, tapeworms can be prevented by washing your hands when preparing food and not eating

undercooked or raw food. It is suggested to avoid eating sushi, fruit, salad, and ice when traveling to

areas with known tapeworm outbreaks.

IS IT SAFE TO INGEST TAPEWORMS TO LOSE WEIGHT?

No. Please see the MedFriendly Blog entry on tapeworm dieting for more information.

WHAT ELSE ARE TAPEWORMS CALLED?

Tapeworms are sometimes referred to as, Cestoda, Cestode or Cestoidae.

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF THE TERM, TAPEWORM?

The tapeworm is so named because it’s body looks like a strip of tape. The word “tape” is of uncertain

origin but may come from the Latin word “tapete” which means “carpet” because tape used to be a narrow

strip of cloth used for tying or measuring. The word “worm” comes from the Old English word “wurm” which

means “sea dragon.” Put the two words together and you have “carpet sea dragon.”