Beef Tapeworm (Taenia saginata)

Beef tapeworm (Taenia saginata) is a common type of parasite that infects humans when they consume undercooked beef.

1. Source of Infection:

• Beef tapeworm is transmitted through undercooked beef.

2. Intermediate Host:

• Cattle serve as the intermediate host for beef tapeworm.

3. Disease Distribution:

• In Vietnam, beef tapeworm is more prevalent than pork tapeworm.

4. Complications:

• The most serious complication of beef tapeworm is intestinal obstruction.

5. Age of Infection:

• People typically contract beef tapeworm between the ages of 21-40.

6. Definitive Host:

• Humans are the definitive host for beef tapeworm.

7. Mode of Transmission:

• People can acquire adult beef tapeworm by consuming raw or undercooked beef.

8. Treatment:

• The best medication currently used to treat adult beef tapeworm is Praziquantel.

9. Size:

• Adult beef tapeworms can reach a length of 4 – 12 meters.

10. Life Cycle:

• The life cycle of beef tapeworm involves one intermediate host.

11. Site of Infection:

• Adult beef tapeworms reside in the small intestine.

12. Diagnosis:

• To diagnose adult beef tapeworm infection, a stool examination is conducted to detect tapeworm segments.

13. Larvae:

• When consuming undercooked beef, people can become infected with beef tapeworm larvae (Cysticercus bovis).

14. Harm:

• The primary harm caused by adult beef tapeworm to the human body is nutrient depletion & toxicity.

15. Prevention:

• The best preventive measure for beef tapeworm is eating cooked food and drinking boiled water.

Note: Consult a doctor for timely diagnosis and treatment.