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Fish tapeworm is an infection with a parasite found in fish.
Alternative NamesDiphyllobothriasis
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe fish tapeworm (Diphyllobothrium latum), is the largest parasite that infects humans. Humans become infected when they eat raw or undercooked Freshwater Fish that contain fish tapeworm cysts.
The infection is seen in many areas where humans eat uncooked or undercooked fish from rivers or lakes, including:
- African countries in which freshwater fish are eaten
- Eastern Europe
- North and South America
- Scandinavia
- Some Asian countries
After a person has eaten infected fish, the larva begin to grow in the intestine. Larvae are fully grown in 3 - 6 weeks. The adult worm, which is segmented, may reach a length of 30 feet. Eggs are formed in each segment of the worm and are passed in the stool. Sometimes, parts of the worm may also be passed in the stool.
Fish tapeworm infection may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency and megaloblastic anemia.
SymptomsMost people who are infected have no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Weight loss
People who are infected sometimes pass segments of worm in their stools. These segments can be seen in the stool.
Tests may include:
- Complete blood count, including differential
- Stool examination for eggs and parasites
You will receive medicines to fight the parasites. You take these medicines by mouth, usually in a single dose.
The drug of choice for tapeworm infections is praziquantal. Niclosamide can also be used. You may need vitamin B12 injections or supplements to treat megaloblastic anemia that can occur with this infection.
Expectations (prognosis)Fish tapeworms can be removed with a single treatment dose. There are no lasting effects.
Complications- Megaloblastic anemia
- Intestinal blockage
Call your health care provider if:
- You have noticed a worm or segments of a worm in your stool
- Any family members have symptoms of pernicious anemia
Avoiding raw freshwater fish and cooking fish enough (to more than 140 degrees F for 5 minutes) will prevent infection with the fish tapeworm. Freezing fish to -4 degrees F for 24 hours also kills fish tapeworm eggs.
ReferencesWhite Jr AC, Brunetti E. Cestodes. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 362.
King CH, Fairley JK. Cestodes (tapeworm). In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 290.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 08/24/2011
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
What else can I help you with?
What are the examples of cestodes?
Cestoda, or cestodes, is a class of parasitic flatworm. Examples of cestodes include: Taenia solium, (pork tapeworm), Diphyllobothrium (fish tapeworm), and Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm).
Why are freshwater fish more likely to be a source of tapeworm infection than marine fish?
salt kills tapeworms
How do broad fish tapeworm defend itself?
its uses its skin to protect itself
What kind of parasites live on 3-spined stickeback fish?
Schistocephalius sp. (tapeworm)
What type of tapeworm is most dangerous Pork Fish or Beef?
The most dangerous type of tapeworm is the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. This tapeworm can cause serious health issues, including cysticercosis, when larvae infect tissues, leading to neurological problems. In contrast, the beef tapeworm (Taenia saginata) is generally less harmful, primarily causing gastrointestinal symptoms. Therefore, the pork tapeworm poses a greater risk to human health.
What is the longest tapeworm ever found in a live human being?
1 millimeter long in the eye ball
Can you get tapeworm from sushi?
It is possible to be infected with the fish tapeworm, Diphyllobothrium latum, by eating raw freshwater or anadromous fish, such as salmon, that migrate to freshwater to spawn. However, freezing or adequately cooking the fish prevents infection. Most fish used in sushi- and shashimi grade fish have been frozen. Salmon is generally cooked. Not likely, tapeworms don't live in fish. But any food prepared in unsanitary conditions can transmit parasites.
What are the causes of tapeworm diseases?
You can catch tapeworms by eating pork, beef, or fish that is not cooked properly. This is one of the primary reasons for cooking food thoroughly. A single tapeworm produces enough eggs to infect every single person in the world. Is there a NONSENSICAL STATEMENTS ABOUT TAPEWORMS web site you people are going to? You are confused and are thinking of Trichanella a nematode not a cestode. A single tapeworm producing enough eggs to infect the world is meaningless. 2 fleas and their progeny left to breed for a year will produce 256,000,000 fleas. So what?
What is a 12 inch long segmented worm in humans?
A 12 inch long segmented worm in humans is likely a tapeworm. Tapeworm infections can occur by consuming contaminated water or food, such as undercooked meat or fish. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, weight loss, and nausea. Treatment typically involves medication to eliminate the parasite.
How are tapeworms identified?
Cattle, pigs, and fish all carry different species of tapeworms, although all can be transmitted to humans who eat undercooked meat containing live tapeworm eggs. Once the tapeworm has been identified, it is easy to tell which species it came from.
What is the worlds smallest worm in the world?
0,5 mm
What is the biotic name for Tapeworm?
Well, tapeworms are in the phylum Platyhelminthes and the class Cestoda, but those wouldn't be their scientific names. Tapeworms are a large category of invertebrates, so you would have to know the species of tapeworm to found out its binomial nomenclature (Genus species).
