Sign in  |  Register

Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Ency. home > Disease > H > Hymenolepiasis

Hymenolepiasis   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Dwarf tapeworm infection; Rat tapeworm; Tapeworm - infection

Definition:

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

Causes and Risks

Hymenolepis live in warm climates and are common in the southern United States.  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.

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

Ency. home > Disease > H > Hymenolepiasis

[an error occurred while processing this directive]