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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
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Large tapeworms are generally asymptomatic
Occasionally, patients may have vague gastrointestinal symptoms
Nausea
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Systemic symptoms may be present
Vomiting of proglottid segments or obstruction of the bile duct, pancreatic duct, or appendix is rare
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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
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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