Taenia solium (Pork Tapeworm)

Samuel Perry

IntroductionMonsters InsideFound world wide, but is common in regions

where humans work closely with pigs and eat ill-prepared pork.

Intermediate host – pigsDefinitive host - humans

AnatomyScolex – Common name for the “head”. All

tapeworms, or Cyclophyllids, have four suckers.Proglottids – The segments that form the body of

the tapeworm. Each proglottid contains both male and female reproductive structures, allowing them to independently reproduce. New proglottids are produced near the anterior end of the tapeworm, pushing older segments to the posterior end.

Gravid Proglottids – When a proglottid reaches the tail of the tapeworm, only the reproductive tract is left in tact. The proglottid then drops off, creating a makeshift “egg sac”, or gravid proglottid.

AnatomyRostellum – The circular row of hooks that

appear to be teeth.Cysticercus – The larval cyst of the

tapeworm, which, if consumed through undercooked meat, attach to the intestinal wall where it will develop proglottids as it matures.

Life Cycle

SymptomsThe condition when cysticerci develop in the

tissues/organs of humans of called cysticercosis.

Symptoms depend on where the cysticerci form.

Symptoms range from death to nothing at all. Symptoms of a normal intestinal infection

include malnutrition, abdominal discomfort, constipation, diarrhea, and weight loss.

TreatmentPraziquantel is the preferred drug to treat

intestinal infestations of tapeworms. Albendazole combined with steroid

treatments are used for patients with cysticercosis. Anti-seizure medication may also be beneficial.

Surgery can be used to remove problematic cysticerci.

DiagnosisEggs and gravid proglottids found in the fecal

matter diagnose intestinal infections, not cysticercosis.

Blood tests detect antibodies to the parasite.Tissue biopsies of the infected areas.CT scans, MRIs, and x-rays can detect

lesions.

PreventionAvoid contact with pigs.Do not consume raw or undercooked pork.Do not eat pork from likely infested sources.Cook meat at 150 degrees F.Wash hands after using the bathroom.Thoroughly wash all raw fruits and vegetables before

eating.Drink only known sanitary water.Avoid drinking fountains or ice cubes in areas where

pigs roam freely or where sanitation is inadequate. Freezing is also effective, as cysticerci are known to

die at temperatures below -10 C and over 50 C.