Taeniasis

Taeniasis
The life cycle of Taenia saginata, the beef tapeworm
Classification and external resources
Specialty	infectious disease
ICD-10	B68
ICD-9-CM	123.3
DiseasesDB	12875
MedlinePlus	001391
eMedicine	ped/2201
MeSH	D013622
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Taeniasis is a parasitic disease due to infection with tapeworms belonging to the genus Taenia. The two most important human pathogens in the genus are Taenia solium (the pork tapeworm) and Taenia saginata (the beef tapeworm). The third species Taenia asiatica is found only in East Asia. Taeniasis is generally asymptomatic, but severe infection causes weight loss, dizziness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headaches, nausea, constipation, chronic indigestion, and loss of appetite.

A type of taeniasis called cysticercosis is caused by accidental infection with the eggs of T. solium from contaminated food and water. It is known as the most pathogenic form caused by tapeworms. A specific form of cysticercosis called neurocysticercosis is said to be the most common infection of the central nervous system.

Taeniasis is generally asymptomatic and is diagnosed when a portion of the worm is passed in the stool. It is not fatal, although cysticercosis can cause epilepsy and neurocysticercosis can be fatal.

Infection by T. solium is normally asymptomatic. Heavy infection is indicated by intestinal irritation, anaemia, and indigestion.

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