Tapeworm Infection, Pork

Generally asymptomatic

Can cause nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms (eg, nausea and diarrhea)

Humans can be either the definitive or intermediate host of Taenia solium

• Become definitive host after consuming undercooked pork, leading to tapeworm infection

• Become intermediate host after consuming food contaminated with human feces containing T solium eggs, leading to cysticercosis

Transmission of eggs may occur as a result of

• Autoinfection (hand to mouth)

• Direct person-to-person transfer

• Ingestion of food or drink contaminated by eggs

• Rarely, regurgitation of proglottids into the stomach

Large tapeworms are generally asymptomatic

Occasionally, patients may have vague gastrointestinal symptoms

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Abdominal pain

Systemic symptoms may be present

• Fatigue

• Hunger

• Dizziness

Vomiting of proglottid segments or obstruction of the bile duct, pancreatic duct, or appendix is rare

Diagnosis usually made based on the identification of characteristic eggs or proglottids in stool

Egg release may be irregular, so examination of multiple specimens or concentration techniques may be needed

Praziquantel

• Treatment of choice

• Single oral dose of 5–10 mg/kg is highly effective

• Side effects may include headache, malaise, dizziness, abdominal pain, nausea

Niclosamide

• Alternative therapy

• Single dose of 2 g for adults, chewed, is effective

• Side effects may include nausea, malaise, abdominal pain