Taeniasis

Definition

Infection with tapeworms of the genus Taenia. Taeniasis is a form of tapeworm infection. The worm remains in the intestine until it reaches a length of a meter or so. The two most important human pathogens in the genus are Taenia solium (the pork tapeworm) and Taenia saginata (the beef tapeworm). Infection is acquired by eating undercooked contaminated meat and infected pork. The adult worms live in the lumen of the intestine where it causes very few symptoms. Taeniasis is generally asymptomatic and is diagnosed when a portion of the worm is passed in the stool.

Exclusions

• Cysticercosis

Subcategories (2)