See Parasites Tapeworm, Tapeworm, Parasites Taenia, and Taenia. Do not use until you are familiar with the tapeworm protocol.Encyclopedia Entry for Tapeworm :Tapeworm infections - Taenia solium (pork tapeworm), Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm), Diphyllobothrium latum (fish tapeworm),Hymenolepis nana (dwarf tapeworm), Hymenolepis diminuta (rat tapeworm), Diphylidium caninum (dog tapeworm)(intestinal cestodes)Encyclopedia Entry for Tapeworm :Tapeworm infection - beef or pork. Tapeworm infection is caused by eating the raw or undercooked meat of infected animals. Cattle usually carry Taenia saginata ( T saginata ). Pigs carry Taenia solium (T solium). In the human intestine, the young form of the tapeworm from the infected meat (larva) develops into the adult tapeworm. A tapeworm can grow to longer than 12 feet (3.5 meters) and can live for years. Tapeworms have many segments. Each segment is able to produce eggs. The eggs are spread alone or in groups, and can pass out with the stool or through the anus. Adults and children with pork tapeworm can infect themselves if they have poor hygiene. They can ingest tapeworm eggs they pick up on their hands while wiping or scratching their anus or the skin around it. Those who are infected can expose other people to T solium eggs, usually through food handling.Tapeworm infection usually does not cause any symptoms. Some people may have abdominal discomfort. People often realize they are infected when they pass segments of the worm in their stool, especially if the segments are moving.Tests that may be done to confirm diagnosis of an infection include: CBC , including differential count Stool exam for eggs of T solium or T saginata , or bodies of the parasite.Tapeworms are treated with medicines taken by mouth, usually in a single dose. The drug of choice for tapeworm infections is praziquantel. Niclosamide can also be used.With treatment, the tapeworm infection goes away.In rare cases, worms can cause a blockage in the intestine. If pork tapeworm larvae move out of the intestine, they can cause local growths and damage tissues such as the brain, eye, or heart. This condition is called cysticercosis. Infection of the brain (neurocysticercosis) can cause seizures and other nervous system problems.Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you pass something in your stool that looks like a white worm.In the United States, laws on feeding practices and the inspection of domestic food animals have largely eliminated tapeworms. Measures you can take to prevent tapeworm infection include: Do not eat raw meat. Cook whole cut meat to 145 F (63 C) and ground meat to 160 F (71 C). Use a food thermometer to measure the thickest part of the meat. Freezing meat is not a reliable because it may not kill all eggs. Wash hands well after using the toilet, especially after a bowel movement.Teniasis; Pork tapeworm; Beef tapeworm; Tapeworm; Taenia saginata; Taenia solium; Taeniasis.Digestive system organs Digestive system organs.King CH, Fairley JK. Tapeworms (cestodes).Encyclopedia Entry for Tapeworm :Tapeworm infection - hymenolepsis. Hymenolepis live in warm climates and are common in the southern United States. Insects eat the eggs of these worms. Humans and other animals become infected when they eat material contaminated by insects (including fleas associated with rats). In an infected person, it is possible for the worm's entire life cycle to be completed in the bowel, so infection can last for years. Hymenolepis nana infections are much more common than Hymenolepis diminuta infections in humans. These infections used to be common in the southeastern United States, in crowded environments, and in people who were confined to institutions. However, the disease occurs throughout the world.Symptoms occur only with heavy infections. Symptoms include: Diarrhea Gastrointestinal discomfort Itchy anus Poor appetite Weakness.A stool exam for the tapeworm eggs confirms the diagnosis.The treatment for this condition is a single dose of praziquantel, repeated in 10 days. Household members may also need to be screened and treated because the infection can be spread from person to person.Expect full recovery following treatment.Health problems that may result from this infection include: Abdominal discomfort Dehydration from prolonged diarrhea.Call your health care provider if you have chronic diarrhea or abdominal cramping.Good hygiene, public health and sanitation programs, and elimination of rats help prevent the spread of hymenolepiasis.Hymenolepiasis; Dwarf tapeworm infection; Rat tapeworm; Tapeworm - infection.Digestive system organs Digestive system organs.Fischer PR, White AC. Adult tapeworm infections.