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Pork Tapeworm(Taeniasis; Cysticercosis)
by
Amy Scholten, MPH DefinitionTapeworms 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.
CausesThe 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 FactorsThings that raise the risk of pork tapeworm are:
SymptomsTapeworms may be seen in vomit or stool. They do not always cause symptoms. If symptoms happen, they may be: DiagnosisThe 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 . TreatmentThe 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. PreventionPork tapeworm infection may be prevented by:
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. Last reviewed September 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board David Horn, MD, FACP Last Updated: 2/4/2021 | |