Tapeworms:
Tapeworms are a type of Cestode. Most tapeworms are 1/2 inch in length and a grayish white color, but some can be up to 33 feet long and lay over 1 million eggs per day. The bodies of tapeworms are mostly composed of reproductive organs. The head of a tapeworm hooks itself into the intestinal wall and then releases eggs from its tail. It can regenerate from only its head if segmented. These flat, segmented worms live in the intestines of animals. They can be infected by ingesting contaminated water or grass. Humans become infected by eating undercooked meat from an infected animal. Tapeworms can cause symptoms such as nausea, weakness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, and vitamin & mineral deficiencies. Tapeworm infections can be treated in humans with oral medications such as Biltricide or Albenza, which kill the worms that then dissolve and pass through the bowels.
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