Tapeworm Infections

Tapeworms are a group of parasites that depend on humans for growth and cause intestinal infection in them. Taeniasis or cestodiasis are the alternate names for tapeworm infections. Tapeworm infections are zoonotic infections as they are transmitted to man from animals (pig, cow, fish and dog). Human intestines provide an ambient environment for the tapeworm larvae to grow and develop into an adult. Tapeworm infections are prevalent among underdeveloped countries where sanitation is poor and among people who regularly consume raw, unwashed or undercooked beef, pork, or fish containing the cyst, eggs of the various tapeworms. The tapeworm infection can also spread from man to man through oral/anal route. The adult tapeworms can grow up to 15-20 feet in length.