Tapeworm intestinal infection is common among people who eat undercooked beef or pork. According to information published by the World Health Organization (WHO) , the tapeworm ( medical name of this parasitic disease) is associated with digestive problems and neurological complications level in more severe cases.
How infection occurs? What are the types of tapeworms that infect humans? These and other questions may arise when talking about this parasite. Next, we detail the most relevant aspects.
Meeting the parasite
Taenia is a genus of parasitic flatworms of the class of cestodes. They are extracellular endoparasites, since they live inside their host, but they do not work at the cellular level, as is the case with viruses.
They have a complex life cycle and, depending on the stage causing the pathology, two diseases can occur in the affected individual.
Adult tapeworms produce taeniasis when they lodge in the intestine of the definitive host.
The larval and juvenile forms produce cysticercosis, an even more serious pathology that occurs when these are located in various organs and tissues of the affected person.
In their adult form, tapeworms are shaped like clearly segmented and flattened worms. On their head or scolex they have a series of hooks, which allow them to adhere the oral apparatus to the walls of the intestine of the patient and feed on the food that passes through it.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy