Highlights & Basics
- Tapeworm infection mainly affects communities in developing countries of Latin America, Asia, and Africa.
- Presentation is variable and is dependent on the number, size, location, stage, and condition of the cyst. Extraintestinal manifestations include cysticercosis (can affect any organ), hydatidosis (can affect any organ but typically the liver and lungs), and neurocysticercosis (affecting the central nervous system).
- Diagnosis is made by stool examination and serology; imaging is necessary for extraintestinal manifestations.
- Intestinal infection is treated with antiparasitic therapy only, while extraintestinal infection requires additional treatments including corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, and possibly surgical intervention. Patients with neurocysticercosis may present with increased intracranial pressure, which is a medical emergency.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Images
Adult tapeworm identified as Taenia saginata
Echinococcus of liver with daughter cyst on ultrasound: multivesicular, multiseptated cysts, where daughter cyst completely fills the unilocular mother cyst; cyst produces a wheel-like structure
Colloidal stage - neurocysticercosis: CT scan showing ring enhancing cystic lesion in the temporal lobe and perilesional edema
Cystic stage - neurocysticercosis: MRI scan showing cystic lesion in the frontal lobe; a scolex can be seen within the cyst
Granular stage - neurocysticercosis: MRI scan showing enhancing lesion without perilesional edema
Calcified stage - neurocysticercosis: MRI scan of multiple calcified lesions in a patient with neurocysticercosis
Citations
World Health Organization. WHO guidelines for the treatment of patients with cystic echinococcosis. Jun 2025 [internet publication].[Full Text]
White AC Jr, Coyle CM, Rajshekhar V, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of neurocysticercosis: 2017 clinical practice guidelines by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH). Clin Infect Dis. 2018 Apr 3;66(8):e49-75.[Abstract][Full Text]
World Health Organization. WHO guidelines on management of Taenia solium neurocysticercosis. Sep 2021 [internet publication].[Full Text]
Del Brutto OH, Nash TE, White AC Jr, et al. Revised diagnostic criteria for neurocysticercosis. J Neurol Sci. 2017 Jan 15;372:202-10.[Abstract][Full Text]
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