Tapeworm Diseases

There are several different types of tapeworm disease (also called cestodiasis) that are primarily caused by the consumption of undercooked meat and fish. Tapeworm diseases are prevalent in places where sanitation conditions are substandard.

Cysticercosis

• Cysticercosis is caused by consumption of larvae of the tapeworm species Taenia solium. The larvae live and grow outside the intestines and can spread to other parts of the body.

Neurocysticercosis

• Neurocysticercosis is a serious condition that is caused by an infection of the central nervous system. Neurocysticercosis can lead to seizures and even death.

Hymenolepiasis

• The Hymenolepis diminuta and Hymenolepis nana are species of tapeworm that cause a condition called hymenolepiasis, which is characterized by prolonged diarrhea and weakness.

Diphyllobothriasis

• The fish tapeworm, also called Diphyllobothrium latum, causes a condition called diphyllobothriasis. This species of tapeworm is found in undercooked freshwater fish.

Taeniasis

• Taenia saginata (found in undercooked beef) and Taenia solium (found in undercooked pork) cause a condition called taeniasis.

Treatment

• The following medications are used to treat most cases of tapeworm disease: niclosamide, albendazole and praziquantel.