Tapeworm infection - Symptoms, Causes, Images, and Treatment Options

Diseases

Highlights & Basics

Key Highlights

Tapeworm infection mainly affects communities in developing countries of Latin America, Asia, and Africa.
Presentation is variable and is dependent on size, location, 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; radiology is necessary for extraintestinal manifestations.
Intestinal infection is treated with antiparasitic therapy only, while extraintestinal infection requires additional treatments including corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, and surgical intervention. Patients with neurocysticercosis may present with increased intracranial pressure, which is a medical emergency.

Adult tapeworm identified as Taenia saginata

From the personal collections of Dr Christina Coyle and Dr Maheen Saeed; used with permission

Quick Reference

History & Exam
- Key Factors
- Other Factors
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Diagnostics Tests
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Treatment Options
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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

Key Articles

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]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Parasites - taeniasis: resources for health professionals. Oct 2020 [internet publication].[Full Text]

Other Online Resources

WHO Taenia solium endemicity map - 2022 update
CDC: parasites - taeniasis
CDC: parasites - cysticercosis
WHO: taeniasis/cysticercosis - fact sheet
WHO: echinococcosis - fact sheet

Referenced Articles

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