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Section 3. Summaries of Infectious Diseases
Tapeworm Diseases
(Taeniasis and Cysticercosis)Clinical Manifestations
Etiology
Epidemiology
Diagnosis
Treatment
Isolation of the Hospitalized Patient
Control Measures
CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS:
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Taeniasis. Infection often is asymptomatic; however, mild gastrointestinal tract symptoms, such as nausea, diarrhea, and pain, can occur. Tapeworm segments can be seen migrating from the anus or feces.
Cysticercosis. Manifestations depend on the location and numbers of pork tapeworm cysts (cysticerci) and the host response. Cysts may be found anywhere in the body. The most common and serious manifestations are caused by those in the central nervous system. Cysts of Taenia solium in the brain (neurocysticercosis) can cause seizures, behavioral disturbances, obstructive hydrocephalus, and other neurologic signs and symptoms. Neurocysticercosis can be a leading cause of epilepsy, depending on epidemiologic circumstances. The host reaction to degenerating cysts can produce signs and symptoms of meningitis. Cysts in the spinal column can cause gait disturbance, pain, or transverse myelitis. Subcutaneous cysts produce palpable nodules, and ocular involvement can cause visual impairment.
ETIOLOGY: Taeniasis is caused by intestinal infection by the adult tapeworm, Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm) or T solium (pork tapeworm). Usually, only 1 adult worm is present in the intestine. Human cysticercosis is caused only by the larvae of T solium (Cysticercus cellulosae).
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EPIDEMIOLOGY: These tapeworm diseases have worldwide distribution. Prevalence rates are high in areas with poor sanitation and human fecal contamination in areas where cattle graze or swine are fed. Most cases of T solium infection in the United States are imported from Latin America or Asia. High rates of T saginata infection also occur in Mexico, Argentina, Africa (especially Ethiopia), and central Europe. Taeniasis is acquired by eating undercooked beef (T saginata) or pork
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