Tapeworms: life cycle and symptoms that arise as a result of infection

How do tapeworms enter the human body?

There are two main types of parasites that cause tapeworm infections: Taenia Saginata which comes from cows and Taenia solium which comes from pigs. This parasite can enter the human body through contaminated meat or meat that is not cooked properly.

After the food is digested, the head of the tapeworm will stick firmly to the wall of the human small intestine. These worms then grow and reproduce by absorbing the nutrients from the food you eat everyday. This parasite then sheds eggs and is shed to be excreted with feces.

People with taeniasis usually don't feel any symptoms. That's why many are already sick, but don't realize it. However, the initial symptoms that may appear with taeniasis are nausea, weakness, decreased appetite, and diarrhea. The type of symptoms and their severity will depend on how long the infection has been in the body.

Beware of 4 dangers of tapeworm infection in the body

Since taeniasis generally causes no symptoms, this infection is a cause for concern. The reason is, the worm larvae can survive in the human body for up to 30 years.

The more the infection is allowed, the risk of complications can occur at any time. If the larvae get out of the intestine and form cysts in other tissues, this infection can cause organ and tissue damage.

1. Allergies

Tapeworm cysts may burst and release more larvae in the body. These larvae can move from one organ to another, forming additional cysts. A burst or leaky cyst can cause a reaction that is easily recognized by the body, such as allergies, hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing.

2. Central nervous system disorders

Neurocysticercosis is a complication of taeniasis that occurs when larvae successfully infect the brain. Neurocysticercosis is a central nervous system disorder caused by worm cysts in the brain and spinal cord. As a result, the sufferer will have seizures and feel symptoms similar to a brain tumor.

Meanwhile, spinal cysts can cause a decrease in general weakness so that the sufferer has difficulty walking. Even worse, complications of this infection can cause meningitis, hydrocephalus, dementia, and even death.

3. Complications of organ function

Apart from infecting the digestive organs, this parasitic infection can also leave the intestine and affect other organs of the body. Parasitic larvae that reach the heart can cause cardiac arrhythmias or even heart failure. Meanwhile, in rare cases, tapeworms that infect the eye can form eye lesions and cause loss of vision or blindness.

Without realizing it, cysts can grow and spread throughout the body. As a result, the pressure on the blood vessels becomes blocked and blocks blood circulation. This is why blood vessels can break, requiring emergency surgery or a transplant of an infected organ.

4. The occurrence of blockage in the digestive organs

Worms that infect the body continuously will body and develop. If the tapeworm grows too large, it can cause blockage, usually in the intestines, bile duct, appendix, or pancreas.

So, how do you know if there are tapeworms in the body?

Since tapeworm infection tends to cause no symptoms, it can be very difficult to detect the presence of tapeworms in the body. However, you can consult a doctor and perform a stool examination to see the possibility of this type of parasite in your body.

Before falling ill, make sure you have taken various precautions to avoid Taeniasis. The method is easy and simple, really. Here are the tips:

Wash your hands with soap and running water before eating or handling food and after going to the toilet.
Wash each food item under running water until it is completely clean.
Cook the meat at a minimum temperature of 63 degrees Celsius to kill tapeworm eggs or larvae.
Freeze meat for 7 to 10 days and fish for at least 24 hours inside freezer with a temperature of -35 degrees Celsius to kill the eggs and larvae of worms.
Avoid eating raw meat, be it pork, beef, or fish.