Causative & risk factors
A tapeworm infection is caused by ingestion of tapeworm eggs or larvae, via contaminated food or water. The eggs hatch into the intestine and develop into larvae. These larvae can sometimes migrate out of the intestine and form cysts in the lungs, liver, central nervous system and other organs.
The larvae present in the intestine develop into adult tapeworms and cause an inflammation of the intestinal walls. A few worms are excreted via stools.
Eating larvae cysts present in the undercooked meat of an infected animal can also give rise to tapeworm infection.
Clinical presentation
Several people with intestinal tapeworm infection are asymptomatic. When symptoms are present, they include nausea, pain in abdomen, anorexia, diarrhea and fatigue.
Migration of the tapeworm larvae into other body tissues gives rise to cyst formation, fever and secondary bacterial infections. The cysts can grow and cause damage to the surrounding organs and tissues. They can sometimes give rise to seizures.
Investigations
If a tapeworm infection is suspected, the patient’s stool samples are analyzed to look for tapeworms or their eggs.
A tape test may be carried out to detect the tapeworm eggs. The patient is asked to press a transparent adhesive tape to the anus so that the eggs stick to the tape; which is then examined microscopically.
A blood test is performed to test for antibodies to tapeworms.
Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound, CT or MRI scans of the cysts may be performed.
Treatment
Tapeworm infection is self-limiting in some patients. Others need anti-helminthic medications to fight the infection.
In cases complicated by the presence of cysts, anti-inflammatory or anti-epileptic medications may be needed.
Sometimes the cysts need to be surgically excised.
