Taeniasis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Taeniasis is a disease caused by infection with tapeworms belonging to the genus Taenia. Usually, this type of worm infects humans due to eating undercooked meat.
This tapeworm infection will attack the muscles. The parts that most often experience attacks are the heart, diaphragm, tongue, neck, esophagus, muscles of mastication and muscles between the ribs.
Taeniasis Symptoms
The symptoms of taeniasis are generally not too severe and are similar to the symptoms of other digestive infections –such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. This complaint usually occurs about 8 weeks after consuming meat containing tapeworm eggs.
In some cases, tapeworm larvae develop in undercooked meat and are ingested by humans. When this happens, hard lumps will appear under the skin of the sufferer. These larvae can also enter the brain tissue and cause complaints of headaches, decreased consciousness, recurrent seizures, or blindness.
Taeniasis Reason
The tapeworm that causes taeniasis belongs to the genus Taenia. There are two types of tapeworms that most often cause taeniasis, namely the species Taenia saginata and Taenia solium.
Taenia saginata worm eggs enter the human body when someone eats undercooked beef. Meanwhile, Taenia solium worm eggs infect humans if someone eats undercooked pork.
Diagnosis
In determining the diagnosis of taeniasis, the doctor will conduct a series of medical interviews or anamnesis and physical examinations.
A stool examination is an important examination to determine the presence or absence of taeniasis infection. The patient’s stool must be collected for 3 consecutive days, and examined under a microscope to see the presence of tapeworm eggs or larvae.
Taeniasis Treatment
Treatment of taeniasis can only be carried out and supervised by a doctor using the drug praziquantel or niclosamide. If tapeworm larvae infect the brain, sometimes surgery and administration of anti-epileptic drugs are also needed.
Prevention
To prevent taeniasis, you should avoid consuming undercooked meat, especially beef and pork. Also, make it a habit to wash your hands with running water and soap before and after eating.