Tapeworm infection, also call taeniasis, is a common parasitic infection found worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this type of infection is caused by eating undercooked, contaminated meat, or by inadvertently ingesting tapeworm eggs. Usually, this comes from spending time around livestock or not washing hands frequently enough. The Mayo Clinic website reports most tapeworm infections occur in the intestines and cause mild intestinal symptoms. However, invasive infections, or infections in other areas of the body, can produce more serious symptoms.
Intestinal
According to MedlinePlus, the most common symptoms of taeniasis are mild and occur in the intestines. Nausea, diarrhea and loss of appetite are all typical taeniasis symptoms. These symptoms are often due to the gastrointestinal system trying to rid itself of the tapeworm. An infected person may also experience abdominal pain, weight loss and nutritional deficiencies.
Neurological
According to MayoClinic.com, taeniasis solium, the pig species of tapeworm, can infect the brain. Pressure or injury to the brain can causes neurological symptoms, including headaches, visual impairment, seizures and dementia. The CDC states that many of the symptoms of an invasive infection may not appear for months to years after becoming infected as the tapeworm is dying.
Systemic
Some people with a tapeworm infection also contract bacterial infections, reports the Mayo Clinic website. The bacterial infection can be located in the intestines or other areas of the body. Symptoms of bacterial infections associated with tapeworm in the infected area include fevers; chills; or even necrosis, or dead tissue. According to MayoClinic.com, an infected person can also develop an allergic reaction to the tapeworm larvae.
Other Symptoms
When a tapeworm migrates outside of the intestines to other areas of the body, it can cause cysts that look like bumps or masses under the skin. MayoClinic.com explains that cysts can cause circulatory problems from pressure on blood vessels. Organ malfunction can be a symptom of tapeworm infection, as organs fed by these blocked blood vessels can have trouble functioning due to the tapeworm infection. The CDC reports that a tapeworm infection in the eye can cause blurry vision and a detached retina.
