Tape worms (Tenebrionora) have an uncommon feeding habit and appear to be a common household problem, particularly in the southern U.S. They are also called worm eggs or tapeworm eggs. Most worms, including tape worms, live on animal waste, such as in decaying animals, on plant leaves, etc. They are generally parasitic organisms, which feed by eating other animals and other living organisms.
Cestodes are a special class of parasitic protozoa in the phylum of tapeworms. They are commonly referred to as "sticky tape worms," and they tend to be tape parasites in adulthood. The larvae are usually flat or cylindrical in shape and resemble small grains of rice. They are found in the soil, on blades of grass, or around garden plants, and are sometimes found in manure, compost, etc. They can grow quite large, reaching an inch or two in length.
Eggs are usually found in moist areas such as the mouth, under nails, on clothing, etc. They are found singly or in groups, and their surface is covered with a thin film of mucus. The sticky layer underneath the mucus is the host's blood supply, which helps the parasite to feed. They are often found in sewers and are spread by skin-to-skin contact. The eggs hatch into larvae, which become adult worms. They are most commonly seen around the ankles, feet, and genitals.
The larvae are actually soft, with no visible external structures. They feed on dead and dying animals and people, but they can also feed on plants. Feeding is usually done daily or weekly, depending on the amount of food consumed.
Tapeworm eggs (called trophozoites) are usually found in soil, on leaves, inside bags of soil, or in soil that has been treated with pesticides or chemicals. Then they are deposited on the host, which can be people or animals. They can enter the body by contact, although adult worms are more likely to feed through saliva. than through the skin. Once inside the body, they can feed without directly feeding on blood. They travel through the intestinal tract, causing infection, especially in the colon and stomach.
Common signs include itching, irritation, and pain, usually in the anus, in the feet, or groin, or even in wounds or other regions of the body. Infections are generally not life-threatening and cause no symptoms. There are other diseases associated with tape worms, such as liver problems and liver failure.
Treatment options include using liquid or pill medications or oral medications. If the eggs are in one location, the treatment can be a simple application of a topical cream. If they are in another location, using a combination of a topical cream and a liquid (such as an antifungal) may be needed.
Tapeworm treatment is necessary when children have worm infestations because they tend to spread the worms. If the infestation is not caught in time, the adult worms can spread and infect other individuals. Adult worms are not dangerous but can cause serious health problems in children and adults.
In some severe cases, surgery may be required. Some tapeworms can cause anemia, which can lead to stunted growth and malnutrition. Other infections may lead to chronic liver disease or kidney damage.
The most common treatment for a tapeworm infection is the use of an oral medication. There are many types of medications available, from over-the-counter creams and ointments to prescription medicines and oral contraceptives. There are also special diets, like the goldenseal diet, that are designed to keep the worms from developing.
Over-the-counter creams and ointments are available over the counter. The most common one used for tape worm infection is called Furosemide, which contains furocoumarine. a. It can kill the adult tapeworms but can cause serious side effects in some people. Oral contraceptives are also used to prevent infection from the female version of the worms. These pills are taken every day until the eggs are killed.
However, in cases where surgery is necessary, medications should be prescribed by a doctor. There are many types of surgery and medical procedures that can be done, including the surgical treatment of tape worms, which are the most effective.