Taeniasis in humans is a parasitic infection caused by the tapeworm species Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm), Taenia solium (pork tapeworm), and Taenia asiatica (Asian tapeworm).
Causes
Humans can become infected with these tapeworms by eating raw or undercooked beef (T. saginata) or pork (T. solium and T. asiatica). People with taeniasis may not know they have a tapeworm infection because symptoms are usually mild or nonexistent.
Tapeworms have a three-stage lifecycle: egg, an immature stage called a larva, and an adult stage at which the worm can produce more eggs. Because larvae can get into the muscles of their hosts, infection can occur when you eat raw or undercooked meat from an infected animal.
Sometimes tapeworms cause symptoms such as:
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Hunger or loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
However, often tapeworms don’t cause symptoms. The only sign of tapeworm infection may be segments of the worms, possibly moving, in a bowel movement.
Treatment
It’s important to note that some tapeworm infections don’t require treatment. Sometimes, the tapeworm leaves the body on its own. This is why some people never have symptoms or only have mild symptoms. If a tapeworm doesn’t leave your body, your doctor will recommend a treatment based on the type of infection.
Even though oral medications are effective for tapeworms, there’s research suggesting that some natural and home remedies can also fight intestinal worms.
In one study, different dosages of papaya seed infusions and varied amounts of whole papaya seeds were given to chickens infected with intestinal parasites. After two weeks of treatments, the chickens treated with the papaya seeds had a significantly lower number of intestinal worms (www.liebertpub.com).
In addition to papaya seeds, there are also claims of other natural dewormers. These include:
- Garlic
- Pumpkin
- Ginger
If you’re thinking about using a natural or home remedy for tapeworms, consult your doctor for dosing information.
Supportive Links:
“Human dipylidiasis (dog tapeworm infection) in the United States.” The Journal of Pediatrics 61.5 (1962): 763-768.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022347662803527
“Update on the human broad tapeworm (genus Diphyllobothrium), including clinical relevance.” Clinical Microbiology Reviews 22.1 (2009): 146-160.
https://cmr.asm.org/content/22/1/146.short
“Portrait of human tapeworms.” Journal of Parasitology 90.4 (2004): 914-916.
https://meridian.allenpress.com/journal-of-parasitology/article-abstract/90/4/914/3491
Note: “Western Pharmaceutical” is defined as a system in which medical doctors and other healthcare professionals (such as nurses, pharmacists, and therapists) treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery. Quote from National Cancer Institute: http://www.cancer.gov
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