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Pork Tapeworm

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Pork Tapeworm

(Taeniasis; Cysticercosis)

Definition

Tapeworms are large, flat parasites. They can live in the intestines of animals and humans. Sometimes they infect the brain, muscle, or other tissues. There are different types of tapeworms. Pork tapeworms are found in pigs.

Digestive Pathway.

Tapeworms enter the human body with contaminated food or water and remain in the intestines.

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Causes

The tapeworm is passed to humans from pigs that have it. The pigs get it from eating or drinking water with the tapeworm.

The tapeworms grow in the pig's intestines. They spread to the pig's blood and muscles. People get infected by eating pork that has the tapeworm. This only happens if the pork is raw or undercooked.

Risk Factors

Things that raise the risk of pork tapeworm are:

  • Eating raw or undercooked pork
  • Passing the parasite to the mouth from unwashed hands
  • Being near pigs or pig feces
  • Traveling to or living in countries with poor sanitation

Symptoms

Tapeworms may be seen in vomit or stool. They do not always cause symptoms. If symptoms happen, they may be:

  • Nausea
  • Belly pain or bloating
  • Diarrhea
  • Hunger or not wanting to eat
  • Weakness
  • Weight loss
  • Seizures (rare)

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. A physical exam may be done.

Blood and stool tests may be done.

Sometimes baby tapeworms move to the brain. If this is suspected, then pictures may be taken. This can be done with a CT scan or MRI scan.

Treatment

The infection is treated with medicine that is taken by mouth. It attacks the adult tapeworm.

If the brain is involved, other treatment is needed. Medicines may be given to ease inflammation or seizures. Rarely, surgery may be done.

The doctor will check stool samples one and three months after treatment to check for tapeworms.

Prevention

Pork tapeworm infection may be prevented by not eating raw or undercooked pork.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Traveler's Health—Yellow Book: Taeniasis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/travel-related-infectious-diseases/taeniasis.
  • Pork tapeworm and cysticercosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/pork-tapeworm-and-cysticercosis.
  • Zammarchi L, Bonati M, et al. Screening, diagnosis and management of human cysticercosis and taenia solium taeniasis: technical recommendations by the COHEMI project study group. Trop Med Int Health. 2017;22(7):881-894.

Contributors

  • David Horn, MD, FACP
Last Updated:
2022-09-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.