Guide to Parasites—Cestoda (Tapeworms)

There are five different groups of parasitic invaders:

Protozoa

Roundworms

Tapeworms

Flukes

Spirochetes

Cestoda (Tapeworms) (“sess-TŌ-duh”)

Tapeworms are the largest of the intestinal inhabitants of man. They each have a head that attaches to the intestinal wall. As long as the head remains attached to the intestinal mucosa, a new worm can grow from it.

There are several tapeworms:

Beef tapeworm (Taenia saginata) can be ingested from raw or undercooked beef (rare or medium rare). They can become several feet long and can live in the intestine for 20-25 years, producing symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nervousness, nausea, and loss of appetite.

Pork tapeworm (Taenia solium) is shorter than beef tapeworm and infects humans through the eating of infested, undercooked pork. The larval migration which invades the muscles, heart, eyes, and brain represents the most dangerous infections of all the tapeworms.

Fish tapeworm (Diphyllobothrium latum) is the largest parasite found in humans and can be contracted by eating raw or lightly cooked freshwater or certain migratory species of fish. In the intestine it can consume 80-100% of the host’s B12, causing pernicious anemia. Symptoms: digestive disturbances.

Dog tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum) is transmitted by infected dog fleas. Children are most affected with the first hint of infection the finding of pumpkin seed particles in their stool or undergarments. Symptoms: restlessness and diarrhea.

Tapeworms can cause:

This is Part 4 of your parasite education. Go back to learn if You Could Have Parasites. To learn more, continue on to learn about Protozoa, Nemotoda (Roundworms), Trematoda (Flukes) and Spirochetes. Or learn How to Treat Parasitic Infections. Download my FREE Parasites Booklet.