What are the symptoms of tapeworm infection?

Question

Hi doctor,

I suffer from weight loss, cachexia, vitamin B12 neuropathy, GI issues (bloating, constipation), and chronic burping. I have a history of prostatitis, and H. pylori-negative via endoscope biopsy. I used to travel frequently across the globe prior to my health issues. Please refer to the picture of particles in my stool. I do not eat anything like this and it shows up almost daily for months now. I was treated empirically with Albendazole for three days. There was no improvement. Could this be a tapeworm and if so what should I do since Albendazole does not seem to work? Kindly help.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

From your description, you seem to suffer from significant weight loss along with vitamin deficiency. You travel a lot. Therefore, the most likely diagnosis seems to be tropical sprue. You are advised to get the following tests done:

Fecal calprotectin assay.
Tissue transglutaminase (tTG-IgA) antibody assay.

You are advised to take the following treatment:

1. Take a tablet of Cefixime 200 mg twice daily for 14 days.

2. Take a capsule of Doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 14 days.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.