Tapeworms

Tapeworms are parasitic flatworms that inhabit the intestines of vertebrate hosts. They have a segmented body composed of a scolex for attachment, a neck for segment generation, and a strobila consisting of proglottids. They have complex life cycles involving intermediate hosts where larvae develop into cysticerci. Humans become infected by ingesting undercooked meat/fish containing cysticerci. Infections can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and weight loss. In rare cases, larval migration can lead to serious complications. Diagnosis is often made by observing proglottids in stool. Treatment involves antiparasitic medications like praziquantel.

Other names

CestodaTaenia saginata (beef tapeworm)Taenia solium (pork tapeworm)Diphyllobothrium latumDibothriocephalus latus (fish tapeworm)

Praziquantel: antiparasitic medication that damages the parasite's tegument, leading to paralysis and death.