Flatworms and tapeworms are parasitic worms that can infect the human digestive tract, most commonly through the consumption of undercooked or contaminated meat. Tapeworms belong to the class Cestoda and can grow several meters long inside the intestines. Once inside the host, they attach to the intestinal wall and absorb nutrients, often leading to symptoms such as digestive issues, weight loss, or fatigue. In many cases, however, the infection can be asymptomatic and go undetected for long periods. Diagnosis typically involves stool sample analysis to detect eggs or worm segments.
A tapeworm is a type of flatworm that lives in the intestines of humans or animals, feeding off nutrients from the host.
Infection usually occurs by eating raw or undercooked meat (especially pork or beef) that contains tapeworm larvae or eggs.
Some people experience digestive problems, weight loss, abdominal discomfort, or fatigue, while others may have no symptoms at all.
Yes, segments of the tapeworm or its eggs can sometimes be seen in a stool sample under microscopic examination.