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Hymenolepiasis

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Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Digestive system organs
Digestive system organs

Alternative names    Return to top

Dwarf tapeworm infection; Rat tapeworm; Tapeworm - infection

Definition    Return to top

Hymenolepiasis is infestation by one of two species of tapeworm: Hymenolepis nana or Hymenolepis diminuta.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors    Return to top

Hymenolepis live in warm climates and are common in the southern U.S. The eggs of these worms are ingested by insects, and mature into a life form referred to as a "cysticercoid" in the insect.

Humans and other animals become infected when they intentionally or unintentionally eat material contaminated by insects. In an infected person, it is possible for the worm's entire life-cycle to be completed in the bowel, so infection can persist for years.

Hymenolepis nana infections are much more common than Hymenolepis diminuta infections in humans. These infections were previously common in the southeastern U.S., and have been described in crowded environments and individuals confined to institutions. However, the disease occurs throughout the world.

Symptoms    Return to top

Symptoms occur only with heavy infections. Symptoms include:

Signs and tests    Return to top

Examination of the stool for eggs and parasites confirms the diagnosis

Treatment    Return to top

Praziquantel as a single dose is the current treatment of choice for hymenolepiasis.

Expectations (prognosis)    Return to top

Expect full recovery following treatment.

Complications    Return to top

Calling your health care provider    Return to top

Call your health care provider if chronic diarrhea or abdominal cramping are present.

Prevention    Return to top

Good hygiene, public health and sanitation programs, and elimination of rats help prevent the spread of hymenolepiasis.

Update Date: 11/18/2003

Updated by: D. Scott Smith, MD, MSc, DTM&H, Infectious Diseases Division and Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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