How to diagnose pork tapeworm infection?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I need some help with what I believe to be a pork tapeworm. I have been dealing with this for almost a year. I have tried multiple deworming tablets and it seems to start to kill it, but it fails to get rid of it. I have had blood tests from a doctor, but nothing came up in the results. This way, very early in the year, when I went to the toilet, I saw flat ribbon bits coming out. I have not had much luck with normal doctors and was hoping to talk to a specialist in this field.
Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern.
Tapeworms that cause human disease are Taenia solium (pork tapeworm), Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm), and Diphyllobothrium (fish tapeworm). Hence, depending on the source, you may have contracted either of these tapeworms (if they are).
Please let me know whether you have made a laboratory diagnosis and identified the worm.
Stool examination with microscopy and PCR (polymerase chain reaction), and anal swab examination for anal and perinatal eggs could help differentiate the species.
Blood examination includes a complete blood picture for eosinophils and serology for IgE (immunoglobulin E) levels is necessary. Other sophisticated methods such as enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot assay (EITB) of serum for antibody detection against T. solium cysts, and ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) testing for antigen detection for live parasites. Antigen levels drop quickly after treatment while antibodies may remain detectable. Reduction in antibody titer is indicative of a cure.
Treatment of adult Taenia tapeworm is responsive to antihelmintic drugs; Niclosamide, Praziquantel, Tribendimidine, and Albendazole. Praziquantel and Niclosamide have been the treatment of choice.
Please share the prescription to discuss further the next treatment regimen.
Adult tapeworms are responsive to anti-helminthic treatment, and there is a good prognosis with complete resolution of symptoms.
The largest concern is reinfection or undiagnosed parasites leading to complications or malnutrition.
From the pictures shared (attachment removed to protect the patient’s identity), it does not appear to be a tapeworm, however, further laboratory examination of stool and blood might be needed to diagnose it correctly. Kindly share the details of all previous consultations to arrive at a possible conclusion.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and take care.
Regards.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I am not sure how to get the results of the blood tests and stool samples as I was not given a copy of them and I was just told there was nothing abnormal about them. I also got them done almost six months ago. I have been given three different antibiotics and none of them have worked, as well as a heap of tropical creams to be applied.
They are like very prominent white bits and every time I take over-the-counter worming tablets, it seems to come out in my stool. I also have tried bleach baths and as soon as the bleach hits my skin, white worm-like trail forms spiraling around my arm and then a slimy substance starts oozing out. I was first told by the doctor that they were just school sores. I want to know how to get it treated because I have been to two doctors with no results. I have tried what they have said and used the antibiotics as well as all the tropical creams and nothing has helped. It still remains the same and it has gotten worse.
Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your situation and your discomfort. Your symptoms are suggestive of worm infestations (possibly tapeworm or hookworm or mixed), which need to be identified and confirmed by diagnostic tests, including, but not limited to, stool and blood tests at a CDC (Centers for Disease Control)-accredited diagnostic laboratory. WHO (World Health Organization) and CDC guidelines mandate specific treatments that should not ideally be given empirically without such reports. If these were identified as any of these or other parasitic worms, there are anthelmintic medications and surely not ‘antibiotics’. Even the topical preparations and creams are specific. At a distance and without these previous (or, if possible, new) laboratory test reports and (preferably previous) doctor’s notes and prescriptions, it may not be feasible to comment substantially at this time. It is therefore recommended to undertake stool examination and blood tests so that we can progress further with treatment.
Treatment Plan:
Anthelminthic medications as per CDC and WHO recommendations.
Preventive Measures:
Hand washing, hygiene foods, and avoid uncooked or raw meats and foods.
Please feel free to book a consultation with me if you would like more detailed information on any of these points or if you have further questions.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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