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Taeniasis FAQs
What is taeniasis?
Taeniasis in humans is a parasitic infection caused by the tapeworm species Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm), Taenia solium (pork tapeworm), and Taenia asiatica (Asian tapeworm). Humans can become infected with these tapeworms by eating raw or undercooked beef (T. saginata) or pork (T. solium and T. asiatica). People with taeniasis may not know they have a tapeworm infection because symptoms are usually mild or nonexistent. T . solium tapeworm infections can lead to cysticercosis (/parasites/cysticercosis/index.html) , which is a disease that can cause seizures, so it is important seek treatment. More on: Cysticercosis (/parasites/cysticercosis/index.html)
Is taeniasis common?
Taeniasis is under-reported in a significant portion of the world because diagnosis is difficult in resource-poor settings. The number of new cases in the U.S. each year is probably less than 1000, but an exact number is not known.
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Can I get taeniasis from my dog or cat that was diagnosed with tapeworm infection?
In general, no. The tapeworm that your pet was diagnosed with is more than likely the flea tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum). Dog or cat tapeworm infections are a result of your pet swallowing a parasite-contaminated flea. Only in very rare instances do humans accidentally swallow the contaminated fleas. More on: Dipylidium Infection (/parasites/dipylidium/index.html)
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This information is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health care provider. If you have any questions about the parasites described above or think that you may have a parasitic infection, consult a health care provider.
Page last rev iewed: January 1 0, 2 01 3 Page last updated: January 1 0, 2 01 3 Content source: Global Health - Div ision of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria Notice: Linking to a non-federal site does not constitute an endorsem ent by HHS, CDC or any of its em ploy ees of the sponsors or the inform ation and products presented on the site.
Centers for Disease Control and Prev ention 1 600 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30333, USA 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY : (888) 232-6348 - Contact CDCINFO
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