Tapeworm

Tapeworm is a common term for a group of parasitic flatworms, or cestodes, that live in the digestive tracts of vertebrates. Tapeworms belong to the class Cestoda, which includes over 1,000 species, and are characterized by their long, flat, segmented bodies.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of a tapeworm begins when a host ingests tapeworm eggs. Once inside the host, the eggs hatch into larvae, which burrow into the host's intestinal wall and develop into adult tapeworms. Adult tapeworms can live for up to 25 years in a host and can grow to over 50 feet in length.

Symptoms and Treatment

Most people with a tapeworm infection are asymptomatic. However, when symptoms do occur, they can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. Treatment for a tapeworm infection typically involves medication to kill the parasite.

Prevention

Prevention of tapeworm infections involves proper food preparation and good hygiene. This includes thoroughly cooking meat to kill any tapeworm eggs or larvae, and washing hands and kitchen utensils thoroughly after handling raw meat.

See Also

• Parasitology
• Helminthiasis
• Zoonosis

References

Tapeworm Resources
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