Tapeworm: Symptoms of fox tapeworm & Co.

Tapeworms, also called cestodes, belong to the flatworms and are one of the most common worms in Germany. They owe their name to their resemblance to a flat, white ribbon. If the tapeworm’s eggs get into the human body, the larvae (fins) hatch from them first, which can infect organs and tissues. If the larvae get into the rectum, they become adult worms. With some tapeworm species, however, humans are known as false hosts – meaning the larvae cannot develop into worms. But that makes infection even more dangerous for humans. In this article, you will learn what symptoms you can use to recognize a worm infestation, how to treat it, and the possible consequences.

Tapeworm – what types are there?

Tapeworm infection can occur in different ways, depending on the tapeworm type. Below, we present the most common types.

 

Cucumber seed tapeworm, dog tapeworm or cat tapeworm

Dog or cat tapeworms are found in Europe, especially in the Mediterranean. On the other hand, the so-called cucumber seed tapeworm, which is particularly common in cats and dogs, is widespread throughout Europe. Tapeworms are transmitted to pets by eating infected mice, rats or fleas.

If a dog or cat suffers from tapeworms, this is often shown by a dull coat, diarrhoea, vomiting or loss of appetite. A visible indication is also the end segments of the tapeworms filled with eggs, which are expelled via the animal’s anus and then stick to the animal’s fur as pieces about the size of a grain of rice.

Transmission of these tapeworms to humans can occur through contact with infected animals, as eggs can stick to the animal’s fur or be transmitted through the animal’s tongue. Humans ingest the eggs orally, which means they get into the mouth (usually through the hands).

Thorough hand washing after contact with the animal can prevent this. In addition, pets should be dewormed regularly, and no “kisses” given to the animals.

Beef, pork or fish tapeworm

Humans usually ingest beef, fish or pork tapeworms through raw, contaminated meat or unwashed vegetables fertilized with animal faeces.

 

Fuchsbandwurm

As the name suggests, the fox tapeworm is most common in foxes. Wolves, raccoon dogs, or dogs can also be affected. The transmission of the fox tapeworm to humans has yet to be fully clarified. Transmission from pets to humans has yet to be proven.

It is also possible that an infection occurs via food contaminated with faeces since foxes excrete the tapeworm eggs. Therefore, berries that grow in the forest, such as strawberries, blackberries, or mushrooms, should always be washed thoroughly before consumption. It is best to heat food above 60 degrees if possible.

Tapeworm infestation: recognize symptoms

If there is an infestation with a tapeworm, different symptoms can occur. The type and severity of the symptoms depend, in particular, on whether the human being represents a so-called definitive or false host for the tapeworm species in question. The larvae develop into tapeworms inside the body if humans are definitive hosts. The symptoms usually remain mild. One then speaks of teniosis (taeniosis).

However, if humans are false hosts, the larvae cannot develop into adult worms. They remain in the body and can cause various complications there.

For the beef, pork or fish tapeworm, as well as for the cucumber seed tapeworm, humans act as definitive hosts.

A mild infestation can then even proceed without symptoms. If the infestation is more severe, non-specific symptoms can also occur. This includes:

• Diarrhea
• stomach pain
• weight loss
• itching in the anal region
• Loss of appetite or cravings
• Tiredness and general feeling of illness

A severe infestation can lead to a nutrient deficiency. In rare cases, inflammation of the gallbladder or appendicitis can develop.

White worms in the stool?

Parts of the tapeworm and the eggs are excreted with the faeces and can be seen as small white “worms” in the stool. However, the worm limbs and eggs can easily be mistaken for food components. They are often not even visible to the naked eye.

Supposed worms in the stool do not allow self-diagnosis but should always be clarified by a doctor. Only under the microscope can worm eggs or worms be identified without a doubt.

 

Worm diseases: what complications are possible?

If humans are the wrong hosts for the corresponding worm species, the larvae cannot develop into adult worms and remain in the body in different stages of development. This can cause different worm diseases (helminthosis).

Cysticercosis and trichinosis caused by pork tapeworm.

In principle, humans can be definitive hosts for the pork tapeworm but also dead hosts. While this means that many people do not automatically become infected after contact with eggs, it also means that the worm larvae, should they hatch, can cause severe complications in the body. In rare cases, cysticercosis can develop.

This leads to the formation of so-called fin bubbles. These are fluid-filled sacs in which the tapeworm larvae are in an intermediate stage of development (scolex). Such fin blisters often form on the skeletal muscles, the eye or in the area of ​​the nervous system.

Another disease that can be triggered by pork tapeworm is trichinosis. In the case of trichinosis, larvae migrate primarily into muscle cells and form cysts there, i.e. cavities that can fill with fluid from the tissue or blood. Typical symptoms are diarrhoea, vomiting and fever. Muscle pain and water retention ( oedema ) can also occur later.

Echinococcosis caused by dog ​​and fox tapeworm

Humans are also false hosts for the dog and fox tapeworm. If the larvae remain in the body unnoticed for a long time, they can trigger echinococcosis. In this disease, the larvae attack human organs such as the lungs, brain or kidneys. A distinction is made between cystic echinococcosis and alveolar echinococcosis.

In cystic echinococcosis, the larvae form cysts, i.e., fluid-filled cavities in the body. These can result in allergic reactions, bacterial infections or damage to the bile, among other things.

In alveolar echinococcosis, the tapeworm larvae cause an infection in the liver. As the disease progresses, small blisters called alveoli form. This creates a spongy tumour that can spread to other organs. Symptoms of alveolar hydatid disease include shortness of breath, liver damage, or convulsions.

If a dog or fox tapeworm infection is suspected, medical advice should be sought urgently. In general, however, human infestations with these tapeworms are sporadic.

 

Tapeworm infestation: Diagnosis

The diagnosis varies depending on the type of tapeworm and the type of disease it causes. If the human is the final host, as in the case of beef, fish or cucumber seed tapeworm, the stenosis diagnosis can be made via a stool sample. Then, worm eggs are in the stool, visible under the microscope.

In the case of trichinosis caused by the pork tapeworm, either antibodies can be determined via a blood sample, or larvae can be detected via a muscle biopsy of affected muscles.

A complete blood count can be used to diagnose cysticercosis. If specific white blood cells, the so-called eosinophilic granulocytes or basophilic granulocytes, are increased, this can indicate the disease. An increased IgE value can also indicate a parasite infestation. Depending on the affected area, an ophthalmoscope, a tissue examination, or a radiological examination can provide certainty.

If echinococcosis is present, a blood sample can also determine the values mentioned. In advanced stages, cysts or tumours can be visible with imaging methods such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging (CT and MRT).

Tapeworm: Treatment

Tenioses and trichinosis are usually treated purely medicinally with so-called anthelmintics. Active ingredients used in tenses are, for example, praziquantel and niclosamide. It should be taken as directed by a doctor. Niclosamide should not be used during pregnancy, praziquantel only in urgent cases and only after medical advice. Albendazole or mebendazole are used for trichinosis.

If it is cysticercosis, anthelmintics are also used. In addition, an attempt should be made to remove live larvae using surgery.

In the case of cystic echinococcosis, parts of the affected organs often have to be surgically removed. If the cysts do not cause symptoms, they can also be observed initially (watch-and-wait strategy). Therapy with albendazole is also an option.

If alveolar echinococcosis is present, an operation is often no longer possible during diagnosis. Instead, drug therapy with mebendazole or albendazole is also used here. This treatment must often be lifelong or at least over a few years.

Both forms of echinococcosis should be treated in a designated centre.