By ULY CLINIC
​
Taeniasis
Introduction
Taeniasis Is a tapeworm disease acquired from eating raw or not-well cooked food. Can be due to Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm), Taenia solium (pork tapeworm), Diphyllobothrium latum (fish tapeworm) and Hymenolepsis nana (faecal oral contamination from human and dogs) leading to chronic malnutrition (Taeniasis) or multi-organ dissemination and dysfunction (Cysticercosis)
​
Diagnostic Criteria
Taeniasis
​
-
Colicky abdominal pain
-
Body Weakness
-
Loss of or increased appetite
-
Constipation or diarrhea
-
Pruritus ani
-
Hyperexcitability PLUS
-
Evidence of characteristic ova, proglottides or scolex in the wet mount stool examination
Cysticercosis
​
The cysticerci are most often located in subcutaneous and intermuscular tissues, followed by the eye and then the brain. The CNS is involved in 60-90% of patients i.e.
Neurocystercosis which may manifest as
-
Convulsions and/or seizures:
-
Intracranial hypertension: headache, nausea, vomiting, vertigo, and papilledema.
-
Personality and mental status changes (Neuropsychiatric changes)
-
Behavioural changes and learning disabilities more marked in children and immunocompromised adults. PLUS
-
CT scan
​
NB: Refer the patient to high centres for further investigation and expertise.
​
Pharmacological Treatment
​
Taeniasis
​
-
Praziquantel (PO) 5–10mg/kg single dose
OR
-
Niclosamide (PO) 2g as a single dose after a light breakfast followed
AND
-
Magnesium sulphate 5–10 g in a glass of water after 2 hours
Cysticercosis (NCC)
-
Praziquantel 50mg/kg/day for 21 days
OR
-
Albendazole 15mg/kg/day for 30days.
AND
-
Dexamethasone IV 4mg hourly can be given up to 7days.
AND
-
Carbamazepine initially 200 mg 1–2 times daily, increased slowly to 0.8–1.2 g daily in divided doses
​
Note:
-
Hydrocephalus should be treated with surgical shutting.
-
Ocular manifestation cysticercosis, should be referred to eye specialist​
​
Updated on, 2.11.2020
​
References
​
1. STG