Cestoda / Tapeworm Fun Facts

• Symptoms may include upper abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. However, infestations are usually asymptomatic.

• Tapeworms can grow 15 to 30 feet (10 meters) in length. • The largest tapeworms grow up to 59 feet (18 meters).• Tapeworms harm their host by stealing vital nutrients,

causing malnutrition and, if left untreated, can cause intestinal blockages.

Mythology of Curing Tapeworm Infections

• One method for curing tapeworms is referred to as the way "Grandma and Grandad" use to treat worms : stick a biscuit (or a lump of meat) up the anus each day for a week. Then on the 8th day, stop doing it. When the tapeworm comes out looking for its biscuit, grab it an pull it out. Naturally this is a joke - tapeworms wouldn't recognise a biscuit and lack the gullet to digest one anyway.

Risk Factors for Tapeworms• Poor hygiene. Infrequent washing and bathing increases the

risk of accidental transfer of contaminated matter to your mouth.

• Exposure to livestock. This is especially problematic in areas where human and animal feces are not disposed of properly.

• Frequent travel to developing countries. Infection occurs more frequently in areas with poor sanitation practices.

• Eating raw or undercooked meats. Improper cooking may fail to kill tapeworm eggs and larvae contained in contaminated pork or beef.