Tapeworms are parasitic roundworms contracted by eating larvae in raw or undercooked meats, or the eggs on contaminated foodstuffs. Adult tapeworms live in the human intestine; larval worms form cysts throughout the body. Tapeworms (also called cestodes) are treated with antihelmintic medicines, which kill the worms. Larval infections may require surgery for symptomatic treatment.
Fish Tapeworm Treatment
Fish tapeworm (Diphyllobothrium latum) is contracted from raw or undercooked freshwater fish contaminated with larvae, an immature form of the worm. The adult fish tapeworm -- the largest of the human tapeworms -- lives in the intestine; several worms are typically present. Treatment of fish tapeworm infestation is a single, oral dose of niclosamide or praziquantel. Albendazole may also be used. Fish tapeworms can cause vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies; your doctor may give you vitamin B12 shots and folate supplements to replenish your body stores of these nutrients.
Beef Tapeworm Treatment
Raw or undercooked beef contaminated with beef tapeworm (Taenia saginata) larvae is the source of this parasitic infection. The large adult worms mature and live in the human intestine, frequently without causing symptoms. Treatment of beef tapeworm is a single, oral dose of niclosamide; praziquantel or albendazole may also be used. Follow-up examination of the stool is often done to ensure the infestation has been cleared. In the uncommon event that worms remain after initial therapy, treatment is repeated.
Pork Tapeworm Treatment
Infection with adult pork tapeworms (Taenia solium) occurs after eating raw or undercooked pork containing the larvae of this parasitic worm. The intestines become infested with the adult tapeworms, which typically cause no symptoms. A single, oral dose of niclosamide, praziquantel or albendazole is used to kill pork tapeworms in the intestine. The dead worms are passed in the stool.
Cysticercosis Treatment
Infestation with the larval form of the pork tapeworm is called cysticercosis. This infection typically occurs when tapeworm eggs are eaten with contaminated foodstuffs. Alternatively, in a person with an adult pork tapeworm infection, the eggs can travel backward from the intestine to the stomach, setting up a larval infection. The larvae move through the bloodstream to the muscles, liver, brain or other organs, where they form cysts. The cysts do not commonly cause symptoms, except in the brain, where they can cause inflammation and increased pressure; this condition is called cerebral cysticercosis. Corticosteroids such as prednisone and dexamethasone are used to decrease inflammation. Further treatment of the cysts is considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the location of the cysts and symptoms. In people without symptoms, antihelmintic treatment may not be needed. If antihelmintic drugs are given, albendazole is usually the drug of choice; praziquantel is an alternative option. Surgery may be indicated for people with nervous system cysts affecting the nerves to the eyes or causing blockage of spinal fluid flow.
Dwarf Tapeworm Treatment
As the name implies, dwarf tapeworms (Hymenolepsis nana) are small tapeworms. Rodents are the usual hosts for this tapeworm; humans become infected by accidental ingestion of infested insects, rodent droppings or food contaminated with the feces of infected persons. A single, oral dose of praziquantel is the treatment of choice for dwarf tapeworm infections.
References
- Merck Manual: Diphyllobothriasis
- Merck Manual: Taeniasis saginata
- Merck Manual: Taeniasis solium and cysticercosis
- Drugs.com: Diphyllobothriasis
- "Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, Sixth Edition"; Gerald L. Mandell, M.D., et al, Editors; 2004
