Cestoda Tapeworm Fun Facts Symptoms may include upper

Cestoda / Tapeworm Fun Facts • Symptoms may include upper abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. However, infestations are usually asymptomatic. • Tapeworms can grow 15 to 30 feet (10 meters) in length. • The largest tapeworms grow up to 59 feet (18 meters). • Tapeworms harm their host by stealing vital nutrients, causing malnutrition and, if left untreated, can cause intestinal blockages.

Mythology of Curing Tapeworm Infections • One method for curing tapeworms is referred to as the way "Grandma and Grandad" use to treat worms : stick a biscuit (or a lump of meat) up the anus each day for a week. Then on the 8 th day, stop doing it. When the tapeworm comes out looking for its biscuit, grab it an pull it out. Naturally this is a joke tapeworms wouldn't recognise a biscuit and lack the gullet to digest one anyway.

Risk Factors for Tapeworms • Poor hygiene. Infrequent washing and bathing increases the risk of accidental transfer of contaminated matter to your mouth. • Exposure to livestock. This is especially problematic in areas where human and animal feces are not disposed of properly. • Frequent travel to developing countries. Infection occurs more frequently in areas with poor sanitation practices. • Eating raw or undercooked meats. Improper cooking may fail to kill tapeworm eggs and larvae contained in contaminated pork or beef.