Hymenolepis infection (patient information)

Hymenolepis infection
Overview
What are the symptoms?
What are the causes?
Who is at highest risk?
Diagnosis
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Hymenolepis infection?
Prevention
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Possible complications
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Hymenolepis infection (hymenolepiasis) is infestation by one of two species of tapeworm, Hymenolepis nana or Hymenolepis diminuta.

What are the symptoms of Hymenolepis infection?

Symptoms occur only with heavy infections. Symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Gastrointestinal discomfort
• Itchy anus
• Poor appetite
• Weakness

What causes Hymenolepis infection?

Hymenolepis live in warm climates and are common in the southern United States. Insects eat the eggs of these worms.

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 last for years.

Hymenolepis nana infections are much more common than Hymenolepis diminuta infections in humans.

Who is at highest risk?

Hymenolepis infections used to be common in the southeastern United States, in crowded environments and in people who were confined to institutions. However, the disease occurs throughout the world.

Diagnosis

Examination of the stool for eggs confirms the diagnosis.

When to seek urgent medical care?

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

Treatment options

The treatment for this condition is a single dose of praziquantel, repeated in 10 days.

Where to find medical care for Hymenolepis infection?

Directions to Hospitals Treating Condition

Prevention

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

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Expect full recovery following treatment.

Possible complications

• Abdominal discomfort
• Dehydration from prolonged diarrhea

Sources

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001378.htm Template:WH Template:WS