A parasite that lives and feeds in human intestines is known as tapeworm. It is also known as tapeworm infection. Some people may have a young and inactive tapeworm form known as a larval cyst (larval cyst infection). Commonly, people with this infection experience mild to severe symptoms including stomach pain and diarrhea. However, larval cysts may lead to serious health problems that affect the brain, liver, lungs, heart, or eyes.
Tapeworm infection treatment involves anti-parasitic medicines. In some cases, doctors may recommend surgery for larval cyst infection. Additionally, healthcare professionals other medicines to relieve the symptoms.
Symptoms
Commonly, symptoms depend on the infection’s location.
Tapeworm Infection in the Intestines
While some people do not notice any symptoms, others experience quite severe ones. Examples include:
- Lack of appetite
- Stomach upset or pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loose stools
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Gas
- Hunger pains
- Craving for salty food
Larval Cyst Infection
In such cases, symptoms depend on where infection occurs. Check below some symptoms of larval cysts in the brain or spine:
- Muscle weakness
- Nerve pain in the limbs or spine
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Behavior or thinking changes
- Poor coordination
In case larval cysts occur in other organs in the body, it may lead to poor organ function. For instance, this infection can provoke serious disease in the lungs, liver, or heart. The common symptoms include lumps, pain, or swelling at the site of larval cyst infection.
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, immediately get medical help.
Causes
Commonly, tapeworms to complete a life cycle need two hosts. The first host is where the parasite grows from egg to larva (known as intermediate host). When it reaches the second host, the larva becomes an adult (known as a definitive host). For instance, beef tapeworms to complete a life cycle need cattle and humans.
Additionally, beef tapeworms can live in the environment from months to years. In case a cow (intermediate host) eats the grass with these eggs, they remain in the intestines. Thereafter, a young parasite (larva) goes into the bloodstream and travels to the muscles. These parasites also form a protective shell known as cysts.
They travel to a definitive host (humans) through undercooked meat from that cow. As a result, tapeworm infection happens. Larval cyst infection usually develops into an adult tapeworm and it attaches to the intestines where it feeds and produces eggs.
Tapeworm Infections
The definitive hosts can get tapeworms from raw or undercooked meat including beef, pork, and fish.
Larval Cyst Infections
In most cases, this infection type occurs when a person drinks food or eats food where eggs are present. Moreover, some people are exposed to eggs from dog feces.
When the eggs enter the body, they travel through the bloodstream somewhere in the body forming a cyst. Therefore, larval cysts become mature. While some cysts have only one larva, there are some that contain several larvae. In case a cyst bursts, it can provoke the appearance of other cysts in different parts of the body.
Usually, people begin to experience symptoms after years when one or more cysts prevent an organ from working properly.
Furthermore, there are 2 exceptions to the life cycle of tapeworms. These include pork tapeworms and dwarf tapeworms.
Risk Factors
Anyone can get this infection but the following factors can elevate your risk of getting tapeworm infection. Examples include:
- Eating undercooked or raw meats including dried, raw, or smoking meat or fish also can have larval cysts in them.
- Poor hygiene also can elevate your risk of getting this infection. You should also wash fruits and vegetables before eating.
- Lack of sanitation and sewage also elevates the risk of getting tapeworm eggs.
- Lack of clean water for drinking, bathing, or preparing foods
- High-risk regions (talk with your doctor before traveling to such locations)
What Are The Possible Tapeworm Infection Complications?
Commonly, people do not experience any complications but sometimes this infection can cause some health issues. Examples include:
- Anemia – Reduced red blood cell production may happen due to long-term infection with a fish tapeworm. This usually occurs because tapeworms prevent the body from getting enough vitamin B12.
- Blockages – Sometimes, people may experience an intestinal blockage.
- Anxiety – Anxiety also can occur because some people notice parts of tapeworms in the stool.
- Severe allergic reaction – Severe allergy can occur due to larval cysts that break down. The common symptoms include breathing problems, fever, fainting, and hypotension.
Check below some larval cyst complications:
The complications that occur due to larval cysts depend on the organ that is affected. Examples include:
- Larval cysts in the brain or central nervous system – They usually lead to fluid buildup in the brain (hydrocephalus), spinal cord pressure, nerve damage, swelling, and inflammation of the brain and spinal column (meningitis), and others.
- Larval cysts in other organs – In such cases, people may experience organ tissue damage, bacterial disease, blockages, and others.
Diagnosis
Physicians usually diagnose this condition by testing a stool sample. Check below other tests:
- Imaging examination – These tests include CT and MRI scans that help to check for larval cysts.
- Blood tests – They help physicians confirm the infection.
Treatment
If you were diagnosed with tapeworm infection, doctors will prescribe the following medicines. For example Praziquantel, Albendazole, or Nitazoxanide. These medications will help to destroy tapeworms. However, these drugs cannot kill the eggs. It is advised to regularly wash your hands because it will help to prevent tapeworm infection from spreading.
Larval Cyst Infection Treatments
- Anti-parasitic medicines – Albendazole and Praziquantel also can be used to treat larval cysts located in the central nervous system (CNS) or brain.
- Corticosteroids – These medicines help to lessen inflammation and swelling.
- Surgery – This procedure is done to remove larval cysts.
- Surgery alternative – When regular surgery is not possible, physicians can use a special needle to remove fluid from the cyst. Thereafter, you will receive certain injections that will destroy that cyst.
Check below some treatments prescribed by doctors to manage tapeworm complications:
- Anti-epileptic medications – Using these drugs can help to interrupt seizures provoked by larval cysts in the brain.
- Shunt – This is a special tube used to remove extra fluid from the brain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to prevent this tapeworm infection?
Yes, considering the following steps, you can prevent this infection type. Examples include:
- Wash regularly your hands, fruits, and vegetables.
- Wash kitchen utensils
- Avoid raw or undercooked meat or fish
- Freezing meat can help destroy larval cysts
- It is also advised to treat pets if they have a tapeworm infection
What are the primary tapeworm infection causes?
People commonly get this infection through raw or undercooked meat (including pork, beef, or fish), getting in contact with poop that contains tapeworm eggs, not washing hands, and drinking contaminated water. Talk with your doctor for more details.
What are foods that can help with tapeworms?
- Raw garlic
- Pumpkin seeds
- Pomegranates
- Beets
- Carrots
Some studies suggest that a mix of honey and papaya seeds helps to clear the stool from parasites. Ask your healthcare provider if you have additional questions.
