Five different types of tapeworms can invade the human gut. They are differentiated by their source, with different tapeworms being found in pigs, cattle, fish, rodents and dogs. Humans may swallow eggs or tapeworms in their larval state. These can end up in your gastrointestinal tract when you eat meat or fish. Drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food or roaches can also cause tapeworms. Some people accidentally swallow an infested flea or louse from their dog, resulting in a tapeworm infection. Tapeworms attach to your intestinal lining and grow to great lengths if undetected. Tapeworm larvae can travel to other parts of your body, often becoming a serious problem.
Loss of Appetite
A tapeworm in the intestine can cause a loss of appetite. Nausea and diarrhea may be present. Some patients feel pain in the abdominal area. Weight loss may occur and nutritional deficiencies may become apparent over time. The patient may become weak or anemic as the tapeworm consumes too much of his vitamin B12, leaving the patient's body unable to manufacture an adequate amount of new red blood cells.
Seizures
Tapeworm larvae can create cysts in the brain, causing major problems within the nervous system. Common manifestations include seizures, headaches and confusion. Part of the brain or the brain lining may eventually be damaged by these cysts.
Blindness
If a tapeworm cyst is located in the eye, vision problems or blindness can result. Other possible reasons for vision loss are usually considered before it is learned that a tapeworm cyst is present.
Paralysis
Merck Manual explains that paralysis can be the result of tapeworm cysts invading the spinal column. In less dramatic cases, muscle weakness may be noticed without paralysis.
Fever
According to Mayo Clinic, the body may respond to tapeworm cysts by developing a fever. One or more lumps may be felt in the area of the body where cystic invasion has occurred. A variety of negative reactions may occur, from bacterial infection to allergy. Having tapeworm cysts spread throughout the body is considered to be a more serious condition than having a tapeworm in the intestine. Body tissues and organs can suffer permanent damage from the effects of these cysts.
References
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing;" Donna Ignatavicius, M.S., R.N. and Linda Workman, Ph.D., R.N.; 2002
- Mayo Clinic: Tapeworm Infection
- Merck Manual Home Edition: Tapeworm Infection
