Taeniasis
Definition
Taeniasis is a tapeworm infection caused by ingestion of the eggs or larvae of the worm by infected food or water.
If the eggs of the tapeworms are ingested they develop into larvae, these larvae may reach other parts of the body like liver and lungs and form cysts in those tissues. They can cause severe problems. If the ingestion of infectious material is in the form of larvae then they grow into adult tapeworm in the intestine. Presence of tapeworms in the intestine is asymptomatic.
An adult tapeworm can be as long as 50 feet and the life span of 20 years.
Alternative names
Tapeworm infection, Pork tapeworm, Beef tapeworm, Tapeworm, Tinea soliun, Tinea saginata
Causes, incidence and risk factors
There are several species of tapeworm that cause infection in humans: Hymenolepis nana (dwarf tapeworm), Taenia solium (pork tapeworm), Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm), Diphyllobothrium latum (fresh water fish tapeworm).
Infection is caused by ingestion of larvae or eggs through contaminated food or water. Infection by ingestion of tapeworm eggs is common with pork tapeworm (cysticercosis) and dog and sheep tapeworm (echinococcosis). Infection may be caused by ingestion of raw muscle tissues of infected animal. The worm is present in the form of larvae in the tissue that develops into adult worm in the intestine of the receiver.
Dwarf tapeworm infection is most common in humans and its human to human transmission is possible. This worm can complete its entire life cycle (egg to larvae to adult worm) in one host.
Inadequate hygiene, travel to developing countries, ingestion of raw food and improper sanitation facilities for human and animal feces are the risk factors for taeniasis.
Symptoms
Most of the cases of taeniasis are asymptomatic. If the symptoms are seen then they are nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain, weakness, malabsorption and diarrhea. Some tapeworms attach to the intestinal lining and may cause inflammation and irritation.
The signs of migration and infection in the other organs are fever, allergic reaction (against larvae), bacterial infections, masses or lumps of cysts and neurological symptoms or seizures (if the larvae locate themselves in brain).
Sighs and tests
Taeniasis infection can be diagnosed by stool test (microscopic examination of stool). Tianiasis infection in the tissues can be diagnosed by blood test (detection of antibodies against the worm), CT (Computerized tomography) scan or MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging).
Treatment
Medications used for the treatment of tapeworm infection are praziquantel, albendazole and niclosamide. The choice of drug depends upon the species of infecting tapeworm and site of infection. In case of infection in various parts of body anti-inflammatory drugs are given to reduce swelling. Surgery and organ transplantation are also done in severe cases.
Expectations (Prognosis)
Prognosis of taeniasis is good. Infection can be eradicated easily by oral medications. Taeniasis infection in lungs and liver is difficult to treat.
Complications
Pork tapeworm can migrate to tissues and parts of the body and grow there and interfere with the normal functioning of the organ. The condition is called as cysticercosis. Pork tapeworm can also infect central nervous system and brain which causes headache, seizures, meningitis, dementia, visual impairment and death. Sheep and dog tapeworm migrate to liver and develop into larvae. Due to the growth of these larvae there is a pressure on the adjacent blood vessels that obstructs the blood circulation. Surgery or liver transplantation is needed in severe cases. There may be intestinal obstruction due to tapeworm infection.
Calling your health care provide
If there are symptoms of tapeworm infection or exposure to suspicious infected food then it is better to meet the health care provider.
Prevention
Adequate personal hygiene, washing hands after toilet, washing hands before food preparation and eating and avoiding raw food can prevent taeniasis.
Reference
Nih.gov, mayoclinic.com