# data[].attributes.body
Research has indicated that tapeworms can be traced back to the ancient times of the greek civilization but the first major breakthrough came around early in the 17th century in Europe. The worms were at first thought to have originated from Africa where they were first found in cattle like pigs and cows. Due to the crude cooking back then the worms were left alive in the meat which was consumed by humans. It was thought that back in the 17th century around a million people had been infected with the taenia worm. When trade between other countries was established the exportation of livestock allowed this parasite to spread quickly. In modern times now there are multiple medicines to help fight off this disease as well as food that is imported goes through heavy review before making its way into countries as well as the advancements of cooking has made this parasite almost obsolete in developed countries. In less developed countries this parasite is still prevalent but is better under control compared to the past but it is still a problem that multiple organizations across the world are working on to hopefully better prevent and stop this parasite.

# data[].attributes.body
WHO Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

# data[].attributes.body
Washing your hands before eating or after using the restroom

Making sure to cook meat properly before eating

Peeling all raw vegetables and fruits before eating them

Properly disposing of food and human waste

Avoid eating raw foods

# data[].attributes.body
It is estimated that there are around 1,000 cases in the U.S. annually but the exact number is unknown

# data[].attributes.body
3 most common oral medications are Praziquantel, Albendazole, and Nitazoxanide

Shunt for brain infections

Anti-epiletic medicine if patient is experiencing seizures

Surgery

# data[].attributes.body
It is very rare but a host can die from this parasite

0.06% per million population

In most cases people will die from a brain infection known as cysticercosis which these larva can eat out the brain and can lead to hydrocephalus by blocking pathways in the brain which kills the brain

# data[].attributes.body
Stool samples analysis which is when a lab checks feces for tapeworm segments

Blood test can see if antibodies are produced to fight off cysts that have attached to tissue

Imaging Test like X-ray, CT or MRI Scans

# data[].attributes.body
One complication that can arise from this parasite infection is cysticercosis which is caused when tapeworm eggs and the larval cysts infect the tissue of the brain and or muscles which can lead to seizures, muscle, and eye damage.

If Tapeworms grow large enough they can block the pathway to the appendix which can cause appendicitis.

Other effects of the cysts include meningitis, hydrocephalus, and dementia

# data[].attributes.body
Hard to detect people can show little to no symptoms

Most common symptoms are all digestive issues which are abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, and upset stomach

Only visible symptom is the remains of tapeworms found in fecal matter.

# data[].attributes.body
Tapeworms are most commonly found in Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This parasite is rare in the United States besides in areas where raw meat is consumed often and where sanitation is bad.

# data[].attributes.body
Most tapeworms have a predominantly anaerobic metabolism. They are made up of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. Carbohydrates must be abundantly present in the infected host’s diet for the tapeworm to grow.

# data[].attributes.body
Tapeworms live in hosts, and move by being extracted in some way. Whether it's moving to another host through raw meat, or through feces, it continues to infect new hosts. Usually at the beginning of their life cycle, they move to another host either by infected fleas, feces, or raw meat. Then, they live in the intestines of their host for as long as they can.

# data[].attributes.body
Tapeworms can grow from 4 to 28 inches.

# data[].attributes.body
Yes, tapeworms do infect humans. They live in the human intestines.

# data[].attributes.body
They are commonly called tapeworms, but their scientific name is Cestoda. Tapeworms belong to the platyhelminthes phylum, and the taeniidae family.

# data[].attributes.body
Most tapeworms are hermaphroditic, meaning they are capable of reproducing by self-fertilization. The life cycle of the tapeworm is different depending on what type of animal the host is and how it was consumed. The pork tapeworm(found in raw pork) and the beef tapeworm(found in raw beef) live in the human intestine during adulthood. Once the tapeworm reproduces, the embryos pass through the human body and turn into fecal matter. Sometimes the fecal matter is consumed by an animal, then the parasite lives in the digestive tract.

# data[].attributes.body
Tapeworms have many hosts including: Beetles, fish, sheep, goats, cattle, pigs, humans, cats, dogs, etc.

# data[].attributes.body
Any animal who has tapeworms can act as a vector. For example, when cattle have tapeworms, they can act as a vector if a human eats raw beef. Another example is if a human has tapeworms, and has the tapeworm’s eggs in their feces, they can act as a vector if an animal comes in contact with that feces. Fleas infected with tapeworm larvae also act as a vector.

# data[].attributes.body
Tapeworms are transmitted by consuming another vector/vector’s waste. Tapeworms enter the body through raw meat. Tapeworms can also be transmitted by infected host’s feces. Transmission can also occur by an animal swallowing a flea infected by tapeworm larvae.