Tetanus is a parasite caused by the presence of the Tinea worm, also known as solitary, in the small intestine, which can make it difficult to absorb nutrients from foods and cause symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, weight loss or abdominal pain. It is transmitted by ingestion of raw or undercooked beef or pork, which is contaminated with the parasite.
In addition to the teniasis, these parasites can also cause a disease caused cysticercosis, which differ by the form of contamination and symptoms presented:
- Teniasis : caused by the consumption of the Tinea present in the meats of ox or little, that grows and lives in the small intestine in its adult form, where they release eggs that are eliminated by the feces and can contaminate animals and other people;
- Cysticercosis : occurs when the tapeworm eggs are ingested, releasing their larvae that can cross the stomach wall and reach the bloodstream of the infected person. In this way, the larvae can distribute themselves through the body and reach various organs such as muscles, heart and eyes, for example. By reaching the brain, they can cause the most severe form of the disease, called neurocysticercosis. Learn more about what is and how to identify cysticercosis.
There are two species that cause teniasis, which are Tienia Solium, in pork, or Tinea Saginata, in beef.
Main symptoms
Teniasis may not cause symptoms, however, when they appear, the most common are:
- Frequent diarrhea or constipation;
- Nipple;
- Abdominal pain;
- Headache;
- Lack or increase in appetite;
- Irritability;
- Tiredness and insomnia.
In addition, in children, it can cause delayed growth and development, as well as difficulty gaining weight.
How to confirm the diagnosis
To confirm the diagnosis of teniasis, the doctor usually evaluates the symptoms presented, but can also ask for a fecal examination to see if there is any type of worm. Learn more about what stool test is for.
Tinea Cyst Life Cycle
The life cycle of teniasis can be represented as follows:
Usually, teniasis is acquired by the consumption of pork or beef contaminated with tapeworm larvae, which lodge in the small intestine, evolve into adult form. After about 3 months, the tapeworm begins to release into the feces the so-called proglottos, which are segments of your body that contain reproductive organs and their eggs.
Tapeworm eggs can contaminate soil, water and food, which may be responsible for contaminating other animals or other people who may get cysticercosis.
How is the treatment done?
Treatment for teniasis is usually done with antiparasitic medicines, such as Niclosamide, Mebendazole or Albendazole, for example as prescribed by the doctor, in a single dose or for 3 days. Learn more about treatment for teniasis.
How to prevent
To prevent teniasis, some precautions should be taken, such as:
- Do not eat raw or undercooked meat;
- Drink mineral water, filtered or boiled;
- Wash hands, especially after the toilet and before meals;
- Wash the food with filtered water.
In addition to these measures, it is important to give clean water to animals and not to fertilize the soil with human feces.
