Definition:
Taeniasis is a tapeworm (cestode) infection that is acquired by the ingestion of raw or undercooked meat of infected animals. Although many species exist, two species, Taenia saginata and Taenia solium, result to pathology in humans. T. saginata is linked with the ingestion of the worm's larval form found in infected beef while T. solium is associated with that of infected pork.
Diagnosis:
Taenia eggs and proglottids can be determined though microscopic identification. However, this technique is not possible during the first 3 months after the infection, prior to the development of adult tapeworms.
Treatment:
As with most cestodes, treatment can be ensured with the use of Praziquantel and Niclosamide.
Symptoms and Signs:
People infected with adult taenia are often asymptomatic. Infected people may become aware of an infection by noticing proglottid segments of the tapeworm in their feces. Symptoms of infection, if any, are general, such as nausea, intestinal upset, vague abdominal symptoms such as hunger pains, diarrhea and/or constipation, or chronic indigestion. Heightened eosinophils may be a sign of infection.
Causes:
In humans, it is the ingestion of under-cooked beef (T. saginata) or pork (T. solium) containing the larval cysts that leads to taeniasis.
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