Tapeworm infection

Taeniasis is disease caused by tapeworm parasites living in human small intestine. Mild infections generally have no symptoms. Severe infections have abdominal discomfort, muscle pain, indigestion, diarrhea, weight loss, anemia, headache, dizziness, insomnia and other neurological symptoms. Laboratory blood test can find increased eosinophils. Extremely severe cases can have intestine obstruction, appendicitis or liver abscess caused by tapeworms. Pregnant tapeworm proglottids (segments) are very mobile and may get out of anus. Praziquantel and niclosamide can be used to kill tapeworms. All pieces of tapeworms should be examined after using drugs. You are cured if no pregnant proglottids or eggs are found.


How is Tapeworm infection treated in practice?