Tapeworms, known in the medical world as Enterobius vermicularis, are nematode (roundworm) parasites and are among the most common human parasites worldwide. Tapeworms belong to the genus Enterobius, which is part of the Oxyuridae family. The female tapeworm is 8-13 mm long, while the male tapeworm is about 2-5 mm. Adult tapeworms usually live at the end of the large intestine.
The cycle begins when a person ingests tapeworm eggs. Eggs are very small and light, so they are easily spread through the air, and they can be swallowed carelessly. After ingestion, the eggs enter the intestine, where they pupate. After about a month, adult tapeworms mature. As an adult, the female tapeworm transfers the eggs to the anus, usually at night when the infected person is asleep.
Diagnosis is usually made based on clinical symptoms and laboratory tests. Laboratory tests include microscopic detection of eggs or adult tapeworms in feces or in the anus. Because tapeworms are mostly shed at night, examination using an adhesive strip that is attached to the anal area to collect the eggs is often necessary.
Treatment for tapeworms usually involves drugs that kill the tapeworms. Treatment is usually effective, but in rare cases, repeated treatments may be necessary. During treatment, it is important to follow hygiene rules to prevent the spread of infection to other people or re-infection.
How do tapeworms appear in the human body?
Tapeworm (Enterobius vermicularis) infection, otherwise known as enterobiosis, begins with the entry of tapeworm eggs into the human body. The eggs are very small, easily float in the air and can be ingested through carelessness or simply through contact with infected surfaces. Such environments may include contaminated hands, food, drink, bedding, clothing or furniture. It is also important to mention that tapeworm eggs can survive for up to two weeks outside the human body.
After ingestion, the eggs enter the human stomach, where the acidic environment allows the larva inside the egg to break free. The tapeworm then continues its journey to the intestine, where it develops into an adult tapeworm within a few weeks.
As an adult, the female tapeworm travels to the anus to deposit her eggs, usually at night when the infected person is asleep. This travel causes itching around the anus, which may encourage the infected person to scratch or scratch the area, thus contaminating the hands with tapeworm eggs. Eggs can be passed to another person through shaking hands, sharing objects, food or drink. In addition, eggs can be spread through dirty hands, so hand hygiene is a very important part of preventing the spread of infection.
In addition, it is important to know that infection can also occur through autoinfection, when an infected person is constantly re-infected by ingesting eggs that were on his hands due to itching around the anus.
Symptoms that indicate that you have tapeworms in your body
A tapeworm (Enterobius vermicularis) infection may present with a variety of symptoms or no symptoms at all, especially if the number of tapeworms in the intestine is low. However, these symptoms usually occur when the number of tapeworms increases:
Itching around the anus: This is the most common symptom of a tapeworm infection. As an adult, the female tapeworm transfers the eggs around the anus, usually at night, causing irritation and itching.
Disturbed sleep: Intense itching, especially at night, can cause sleep disturbances, leading to insomnia, anxiety, or even hyperactivity.
Abdominal pain and digestive problems: Some infected individuals may experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or weight loss.
Inflammatory reactions: In rare cases, an inflammatory reaction may develop around the anus or genitals.
Seeing adult tapeworms: Sometimes adult tapeworms can be seen in feces or on bedding. They are small, white and can move.
Gynecological problems: In women, tapeworms can rarely enter the genitals, causing additional problems such as inflammation of the vagin* (vaginitis) or urinary tract infections.
It is important to note that itching may persist even after successful treatment, as an allergic reaction to dead tapeworms may persist for several weeks. However, if symptoms persist longer, it is recommended to see a doctor to make sure there is no re-infection.
Treatment
Special drugs are used to remove tapeworms (Enterobius vermicularis) from the human body. Such drugs are effective in removing tapeworms. The dose and method of administration of the drug depends on the patient's age and state of health.
The drugs work by paralyzing adult tapeworms or interfering with their metabolism, causing them to die and be excreted in the feces. It is important to mention that these drugs do not affect tapeworm eggs, so treatment may require a second dose after several weeks to kill newly developed tapeworms.
During treatment, it is also important to maintain strict personal hygiene, as this helps to prevent re-infection and spread to others. It means:
Hand washing: Frequent and thorough hand washing, especially after using the toilet and before eating.
Nail trimming: Short nails reduce the chance of tapeworm eggs accumulating under the nails.
Change of bedding: Regularly changing bedding, clothes and towels and washing them in hot water as this kills the eggs.
Prevention of night digging: Wear gloves or special pajamas to prevent night digging and the spread of tapeworm eggs.
It is important to mention that all household members should be treated at the same time to prevent transmission of tapeworm infection between family members.
Tapeworm infection in children
Children usually get tapeworms because of their curiosity and tendency to lick, bite or put things in their mouths. In addition, children often play close to each other and share objects, which increases the risk of infection. The most common symptoms in children are itching around the anus, sleep disturbances and irritability. Sometimes abdominal pain or diarrhea may also occur.
Tapeworm infection in adults
Although tapeworm infection is more common among children, adults can also become infected, especially if they work with children or have children who attend educational institutions. In addition, adults can become infected through direct contact with infected persons or through contaminated surfaces. In adults, the infection may present with similar symptoms to children, but the itching may be more intense and other symptoms, such as abdominal pain, may be more severe. Women may experience additional symptoms if tapeworms enter the vagin*, causing vaginitis.
How to protect yourself from tapeworm infection? Methods of prevention
Prevention is an essential part of fighting a tapeworm (Enterobius vermicularis) infection. These parasites can survive in the external environment for several weeks, so it is important to follow hygiene rules and other preventive measures.
Hand washing: Frequent and thorough hand washing, especially after using the toilet, after contact with contaminated objects and before eating, can help prevent the spread of tapeworms. It is also important to teach children to wash their hands properly.
Nail care: Short nails reduce the risk of tapeworm eggs accumulating under the nails. In addition, nail biting and putting fingers in the mouth should be avoided.
Care of bedding, clothing and towels: Regularly changing bedding, clothing and towels and washing them in hot water can kill tapeworm eggs. It is also recommended to regularly clean and disinfect all surfaces in the home, including carpets, furniture and toys.
Sleep regulation: Since female tapeworms usually exit their intestines and lay their eggs at night, it is helpful to change and wash your bedding every morning.
Food and water safety: Raw or undercooked foods should be avoided and only safe, filtered or boiled water should be consumed to avoid food or waterborne infection.
General hygiene rules: It is recommended that people with enterobiosis use a separate bath and toilet, if possible, and avoid the use of shared bathroom items such as towels.
Despite all these measures, it is important to remember that tapeworms can be highly contagious, so all family members and close contacts should be treated at the same time, even if they do not have symptoms. It is also important to consult your doctor if you think you have a tapeworm infection so that an appropriate treatment can be determined.
Sources of information:
Mayo Clinic. (2021). Pinworm infection. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pinworm/symptoms-causes/syc-20376382
CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Enterobiasis (also known as Pinworm Infection). https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/pinworm/biology.html
Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Pinworms (Enterobius Vermicularis). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15231-pinworms-enterobius-vermicularis
NHS UK. (2021). Threadworms. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/threadworms/
Kids Health. (2021). Pinworm. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/pinworm.html
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