Tapeworm Infection

Tapeworm infection, or taeniasis, is an intestinal parasitic disease caused by flatworms (tapeworms) that are acquired by eating undercooked beef or pork containing the parasite. The tapeworm lodges in the intestine and can live there for a long time.

Common symptoms: It often causes little discomfort; there may be mild abdominal pain, nausea, changes in appetite, weight loss or the presence of fragments of the parasite in the stool.

Prevention: Cooking meats well and maintaining good food hygiene reduces the risk.

Which specialist treats it? The gastroenterologist and the infectious disease specialist guide the workup, and the general practitioner can begin the assessment. If you notice persistent digestive discomfort or fragments in the stool, discussing it with one of these professionals allows it to be confirmed with tests.