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Tapeworm infection

Last reviewed: 1 Nov 2024
Last updated: 14 Nov 2023

Summary

Definition

History and exam

Key diagnostic factors

  • worm segments in stool
  • increased intracranial pressure
  • seizures
  • hepatomegaly
  • cough
  • hemoptysis
  • allergy manifestations
  • anemia
Full details

Other diagnostic factors

  • asymptomatic
  • vague intestinal symptoms
  • sleep disturbance
  • headaches
  • rash
  • subcutaneous nodules
  • pyrexia
  • visual disturbances
Full details

Risk factors

  • living on farms
  • poor hygiene
  • eating or handling undercooked meat
  • eating or handling undercooked fish or crustaceans
  • ingestion of contaminated water
  • dog owners
  • outdoor pursuits
  • age <12 years
Full details

Diagnostic tests

1st tests to order

  • stool examination
  • complete blood count
  • enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB)
  • Echinococcus enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot serology
  • ultrasound
  • CT of brain
  • MRI of brain/spine
Full details

Tests to consider

  • screening for tuberculosis and strongyloidiasis
Full details

Treatment algorithm

INITIAL

central nervous system disease: with elevated intracranial pressure

ACUTE

intestinal disease

central nervous system disease: without elevated intracranial pressure

hepatic or thoracic disease

Contributors

Authors

Jose A. Serpa, MD, MS, CTropMed

Professor of Medicine

Section of Infectious Diseases

Baylor College of Medicine

Houston

TX

Disclosures

JAS declares that he has no competing interests.

Acknowledgements

Dr Jose A. Serpa would like to gratefully acknowledge Dr Andrew Chou, Dr Christina Coyle, and Dr Maheen Saeed, previous contributors to this topic.

Disclosures

AC and MS declare that they have no competing interests. CC is an author of several references cited in this topic.

Peer reviewers

William A. Petri, Jr, MD, PhD, FACP

Chief and Professor of Medicine

Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health

University of Virginia Health System

Charlottesville

VA

Disclosures

WAP declares that he has no competing interests.

Linda Kalilani, MBBS, MPhil, PhD

Epidemiologist

College of Medicine

University of Malawi

Zomba

Malawi

Disclosures

LK declares that she has no competing interests.

Paul Roberts, MD

Assistant Professor

Family Medicine

Mayo Clinic

Jacksonville

FL

Disclosures

PR declares that he has no competing interests.

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