Definition
Tapeworms are large, flat parasites. They can live in the intestines of animals and humans. Sometimes they infect the brain, muscle, or other tissues. There are different types of tapeworms. Pork tapeworms are found in pigs.
| Digestive Pathway |
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| Tapeworms enter the human body with contaminated food or water and remain in the intestines. |
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Causes
The tapeworm is passed to humans from pigs that have it. The pigs get it from eating or drinking water with the tapeworm.
The tapeworms grow in the pig's intestines. They spread to the pig's blood and muscles. People get infected by eating pork that has the tapeworm. This only happens if the pork is raw or undercooked.
Risk Factors
Things that raise the risk of pork tapeworm are:
- Eating raw or undercooked pork
- Passing the parasite to the mouth from unwashed hands
- Being near pigs or pig feces
- Traveling or living in countries with poor sanitation
Symptoms
Tapeworms may be seen in vomit or stool. They do not always cause symptoms. If symptoms happen, they may be:
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam may be done.
Blood and stool tests may be done.
Sometimes baby tapeworms move to the brain. If the doctor is concerned, images may be done with a CT scan or MRI .
Treatment
The infection is treated with medicines. They are taken by mouth. They attack the adult tapeworm.
If the brain is involved, other treatment is needed. Medicines may be given to reduce inflammation or seizures. Rarely, surgery may be done.
The doctor will check stool samples one and three months after treatment.
Prevention
Pork tapeworm infection may be prevented by:
- Not eating raw or undercooked pork
- Good sanitation at pig farms
RESOURCES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov
The World Health Organization http://www.who.int
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Association of Gastroenterology https://www.cag-acg.org
Public Health Agency of Canada https://www.canada.ca
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Traveler's Health—Yellow Book: Taeniasis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/travel-related-infectious-diseases/taeniasis . Accessed February 4, 2021.
Pork tapeworm and cysticercosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/pork-tapeworm-and-cysticercosis. Accessed February 4, 2021.
Zammarchi L, Bonati M, et al. Screening, diagnosis and management of human cysticercosis and taenia solium taeniasis: technical recommendations by the COHEMI project study group. Trop Med Int Health. 2017;22(7):881-894.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board David Horn, MD, FACP
- Review Date: 09/2020
- Update Date: 02/04/2021