Taeniasis

Taeniasis
The life cycle of Taenia saginata, the beef tapeworm
SpecialtyInfectious disease
SymptomsNone, weight loss, abdominal pain[1]
ComplicationsPork tapeworm: cysticercosis[1]
TypesTaenia solium (pork tapeworm), Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm), Taenia asiatica (Asian tapeworm)[2]
CausesInfection with adult tapeworms[2][3]
Risk factorsEating contaminated undercooked pork or beef[1]
Diagnostic methodExamination of stool samples[4]
PreventionProperly cooking meat[1]
TreatmentPraziquantel, niclosamide[1]
Frequency50 million (with cysticercosis)[5]

Taeniasis is an infection within the intestines by adult tapeworms belonging to the genus Taenia.[2][3] There are generally no or only mild symptoms.[2] Symptoms may occasionally include weight loss or abdominal pain.[1] Segments of tapeworm may be seen in the stool.[1] Complications of pork tapeworm may include cysticercosis.[1]

Types of Taenia that cause infections in humans include Taenia solium (pork tapeworm), Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm), and Taenia asiatica (Asian tapeworm).[2] Taenia saginata is due to eating contaminated undercooked beef while Taenia solium and Taenia asiatica is from contaminated undercooked pork.[2] Diagnosis is by examination of stool samples.[4]

Prevention is by properly cooking meat.[1] Treatment is generally with praziquantel, though niclosamide may also be used.[1] Together with cysticercosis, infections affect about 50 million people globally.[5] The disease is most common in the developing world.[1] In the United States fewer than 1,000 cases occur a year.[1]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "CDC - Taeniasis - General Information - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)". www.cdc.gov. 24 April 2019. Retrieved 16 December 2019.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "CDC - Taeniasis". www.cdc.gov. 24 April 2019. Retrieved 16 December 2019.
  3. ^ a b "CDC - Taeniasis - Biology". www.cdc.gov. 24 April 2019. Retrieved 16 December 2019.
  4. ^ a b "CDC - Taeniasis - Diagnosis". www.cdc.gov. 24 April 2019. Retrieved 17 December 2019.
  5. ^ a b Griffiths, Jeffrey; Maguire, James H.; Heggenhougen, Kristian; Quah, Stella R. (2010). Public Health and Infectious Diseases. Elsevier. p. 216. ISBN 978-0-12-381507-1.