The Economic Impact of Tapeworms: A Comprehensive Overview

Tapeworms (cestodes) impose significant economic burdens rather than benefits:

Human Health Costs

• Medical treatment (praziquantel, albendazole), diagnostics, hospitalization for complications (neurocysticercosis).
• Productivity loss from morbidity.

Livestock & Agricultural Losses

• Condemnation of infected carcasses (cysticercosis).
• Reduced weight gain, milk yield, reproductive efficiency.
• Control programs: anthelmintics, meat inspection, sanitation.

Public Health Expenditure

Surveillance, education, water/sanitation infrastructure in endemic regions.

Global annual cost estimated in billions USD. No economic benefit exists; eradication efforts are cost-effective investments.