Taeniasis is a parasitic infection of the small intestine caused by tapeworm Taenia species. Most people have no or mild symptoms. Tapeworms can cause digestive problems including:
- abdominal pain
- weight loss
Infected individuals may notice the passing of tapeworm segments through the anus and in the feces.
Individuals infected with Taenia species can spread tapeworm eggs through their feces to themselves or to others, resulting in cysticercosis, underscoring the importance of identifying and treating Taenia infections.
There was only 1 case of taeniasis reported in Arizona in 2015.
Arizona 5 year median: 1 cases
Transmission
Humans become infected with Taenia species by eating undercooked or raw pork or beef containing Taenia cysticerci.
Incubation period is 2 to 3 months. Lab Tests & Specimen Info
Test*
|
Specimen
|
Microscopic identification
(stool specimens should be collected on 3 different days) |
Stool
|
Proper enteric precautions when handling patient feces. Good handwashing should be practiced by the patient and providers. Public Health Actions
If an individual is found to be a carrier of Taenia, their household contacts are at an increased risk for cysticercosis so treatment of the carrier and testing of the household contacts might be advised.
No comments:
Post a Comment