Parasites - Taeniasis

Taeniasis in humans is a parasitic infection caused by the tapeworm species Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm), Taenia solium (pork tapeworm), and Taenia asiatica (Asian tapeworm). Humans can become infected with these tapeworms by eating raw or undercooked beef (T. saginata) or pork (T. solium and T. asiatica). People with taeniasis may not know they have a tapeworm infection because symptoms are usually mild or nonexistent.

Taenia solium tapeworm infections can lead to cysticercosis, which is a disease that can cause seizures, so it is important seek treatment.

Image: L&C: Scoleces of T. solium. Note the four large suckers and rostellum containing two rows of hooks. R: Scolex of T. saginata. Note the four large suckers and lack of rostellum and rostellar hooks. Credit: DPDx