Define Tapeworm

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By Cat Carson
eHow Contributing Writer

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Define Tapeworm

Tapeworms are parasitic worms that use animals and humans as hosts. Tapeworms are segmented, and each segment is able to produce eggs. A majority of people with tapeworm infections, often called taeniasis, are not aware of the parasites.

Types

Several tapeworm species cause infections in humans. These include the pork tapeworm, the beef tapeworm, the dwarf tapeworm and the fish tapeworm. The most common tapeworm infection is the dwarf tapeworm.

Causes

A tapeworm infection typically occurs when an individual ingests water, food or soil contaminated with tapeworm larvae or eggs. Adult tapeworms lay their eggs in animal or human feces.

Complications

Some tapeworm eggs hatch into larvae that move out of the intestines and form cysts or lesions in other tissues and organs. Pork tapeworms cause a majority of invasive infections.

Intestinal Infection Symptoms

Although most tapeworms don't cause any symptoms, some intestinal infections might trigger nausea, weakness, abdominal pain, diarrhea and weight loss.

Invasive Infection Symptoms

Invasive tapeworm infections can cause organ and tissue damage, resulting in fever, bacterial infections and cystic masses. Tapeworm infections in the central nervous system can trigger seizures, visual impairment, headaches and dementia.