Causes and risk factors
Taeniasis is caused due to tapeworm parasite. There are two main types of causative agents- Taenia solium and Taenia Saginata. Eating uncooked and raw beef or pork can lead to infection. The eggs are passed through the stools of the infected person. Cattle when they feed on grass these eggs enter the body of the cattle where they hatch into larva. Through the contaminated food particularly uncooked beef and pork they enter the human body, after traveling through the body they reach the stomach where they molt into adult worm. The adult worm then lays eggs which are passed through the feces into the environment and thus a new cycle continues. An immune compromised people, old people and children whose immunity is yet to build up completely are at high risk for developing the infection. Even patients who have undergone organ transplantation or taking chemotherapy are at risk of developing the infection. Poor hygienic condition and poor personal hygiene contribute to the spread of infection.
Clinical presentation
The incubation period is 8-14 weeks. The infection can be asymptomatic for many years. Adult worm in the intestine can lead to gastric complaints like pain in abdomen. It results in unexplained weight loss and itching around the anus. Stools can contain eggs and parts or segment of the worm. Large number of worms in abdomen can also cause blockage in digestive system. The larva can invade the central nervous system (Cysticerosis) leading to variety of complaints like headache, seizures or psychiatric disturbance. It is one of the main causes of malnutrition.
Investigations
Diagnosis is confirmed on the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and on examining the skin lesion. Stool examination is a diagnostic tool. Diagnosis can also be confirmed with the help of endoscopy. Specific serological tests can also be advised for confirming the infection. Certain other routine investigations like complete blood count; urine test etc can also be advised.
Treatment
Administration of oral medications is the only line of treatment .Antihelminitics drugs are the choice of drugs. Iron supplements can also be advised. In severe cases like ascites the person is administered and appropriate treatment is given. Along with this certain preventive measures needs to be implemented. It comprises of maintaining proper personal and environmental hygiene, avoiding open defecation, and proper cooking of meat before consuming it.
Other modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the symptom. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints.
