Tapeworm Infection
A tapeworm is a parasite that lives and feeds in the intestines of humans. This is known as a tapeworm infection. A larval cyst is a juvenile and dormant stage of the tapeworm. It has the ability to survive in different parts of the body. This is referred to as a larval cyst infection.
A tapeworm in the intestines usually causes only minor symptoms. Stomach aches and diarrhea are examples of moderate to severe symptoms. Larval cysts in the brain, liver, lungs, heart, or eyes can cause significant sickness.
Anti-parasitic medications are used to treat tapeworm infections. Antiparasitic medicines and surgery to remove the cyst may be used to treat larval cyst infections. Other medications may be used to ease the symptoms.
Symptoms
While some boys and young men have Klinefelter symptoms as youngsters, some men are unaware of their condition until puberty or adulthood. Because symptoms aren't always apparent, many men are unaware they have it. Symptoms of Klinefelter differ with age and include:
Infections with cystic larvae often have no symptoms. They could show themselves by causing issues with the internal organs, or they might be evident as lumps under your skin.
Causes
The eggs of the beef tapeworm can stay alive for months or even years. The eggs hatch in the intestines of the intermediate host, a cow, if it consumes grass that has these eggs on it. The larval stage of the parasite enters the bloodstream and gets attached to the muscles. It creates a cyst, which is a protective shell.
People, the ultimate hosts, can become infected with tapeworms if they consume undercooked meat of infected cows. A tapeworm larval cyst grows into an adult form. The tapeworm clings to the intestinal wall and feeds there. Eggs are produced, which the person passes in their feces. In this case, the person is the ultimate host, while the cow is the intermediate host.
When To See Doctor?
When tapeworm infection symptoms arise, they might differ tremendously, especially in tapeworm larval infections. One may be unaware that the symptoms indicate a tapeworm, but one should always consult a healthcare professional if one is experiencing unusual symptoms. If anyone has reason to suspect a tapeworm, such as recent undercooked food, make sure to discuss it. If you suspect that you have tapeworm segments in your feces, have them examined immediately.
Risk factors
The following factors may enhance the chances of getting tapeworm or larval cyst infection:
Eating raw or undercooked meats
Eating uncooked or raw meat and fish is the most significant risk factor for tapeworm infection. Fish that has been dried or smoked may also have larval cysts.
Poor hygiene
The danger of contracting and transmitting infections rises with insufficient handwashing. Fruits and vegetables left unwashed may also contain tapeworm eggs.
Lack of sanitation and sewage
The risk that humans will expose cattle to tapeworm eggs is increased by the absence of sanitation and sewage for human waste. People are now more likely to consume contaminated meat as a result.
Lack of clean water
Lack of access to clean water for drinking, bathing, and food preparation increases the chance of coming into contact with tapeworm eggs.
High-risk regions
A risk factor is living in or visiting areas with high infection rates.
Diagnosis of tapeworm infection
A stool sample is tested by a medical professional for tapeworm infection in the intestines. In a lab test, tapeworm pieces or eggs could be discovered. Individuals are allowed to provide a sample on different days.
Diagnosis of larval cyst infection
Imaging exam
Imaging tests are used by providers to identify larval cysts. These could consist of ultrasonography, MRI, or CT scans. Before the cysts create symptoms, larval cysts are sometimes discovered during an imaging test for another disease.
Blood test
Performing a blood test can help doctors confirm a diagnosis. Immune system antibodies to the larval cysts may be discovered in a blood sample by a lab examination.
By examining the feces in a lab, medical professionals can identify intestinal tapeworms. If there are any tapeworm eggs or worm segments, the lab can find them and determine the type of worm you have based on specific features. All of them are treated with the same medication, although the dosage depends on the species. The doctor will want to perform a cysticercosis test if patients have the pork tapeworm in addition.
The healthcare provider might start with a blood test to look for invasive larval infection. The body's production of antibodies against the larvae will be revealed by the blood test. The doctor will use an imaging test to find the cysts if the blood test is positive or if there is another reason to suspect a larval infection. MRI and CT scans are useful for examining the tissues inside.
Treatment for tapeworm infection
Anti-parasitic medications are used by doctors to treat an intestinal tapeworm infection. These consist of:
- Albendazole
- Praziquantel
- Nitazoxanide
These medications eliminate the tapeworm but not its eggs. After using the bathroom, one must thoroughly wash the hands with soap and water. This guard against the transfer of tapeworm eggs to other people and to you. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled with the healthcare provider. To determine whether the treatment is effective, they examine samples of stool.
Treatments for larval cyst infection
The presence or effects of a larval cyst infection will determine how to treat it. Treatments commonly consist of
Anti-parasitic drugs
For the treatment of larval cysts in the brain or central nervous system, praziquantel and albendazole are employed.
Corticosteroids
Inflammation and other immune system activity that could harm organs, muscles, or other tissues can be reduced with corticosteroids.
Surgery
A surgeon will usually remove a larval cyst.
Surgery alternative
When surgery is not an option, another type of treatment may be performed. A doctor drains some fluid from the cyst using a small needle. To kill the cyst, they inject medication into it. The cyst's whole fluid is then removed.
Other remedies for managing issues and symptoms could be:
Anti-epileptic medicine
These medications aid in preventing or halting seizures caused by larval brain cysts.
Shunt
The extra fluid in the brain may be drained using a tube called a shunt.
Tapeworm Infection Dos and Don’ts
Follow its do’s and don’ts to manage or minimize its symptoms.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Clean the hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. | Eat raw or undercooked meat |
| Wash kitchen utensils well | Miss the medication |
| Wash fruits and vegetables properly | Be unhygienic |
| Treat if your dogs get infected | Have dried and smoked fish |
| Drink clean water | Have poor handwashing |
Tapeworm Infection Care at Medicover
At Medicover hospitals, we strive to provide the best possible care for our patients by utilizing cutting-edge treatments and technologies. Our General Medicine department is dedicated to promoting overall health by offering the greatest healthcare services available, offered by highly qualified physicians and nurses.
