Tapeworm infections
If you see what you think are tapeworm segments, eggs or larvae in your stools, speak to your GP.
Infection with an adult tapeworm is diagnosed by finding eggs, larvae or segments from the tapeworm in your stools (poo). If the pork or beef tapeworm has caused the infection, any segments in your stool may be moving.
If you see what you think may be a tapeworm or a segment in your poo, do not flush it away. Place it in a clean glass or plastic container and take it to your doctor so it can be identified at a laboratory.
If you have not already provided a sample, your GP will give you a sterile container and ask you to provide a sample of your stools. They may also check the area around your anus for signs of tapeworm eggs or larvae.
Depending on the type of tapeworm, infection with tapeworm larvae may be diagnosed using:
A tapeworm is a parasite that can live in a person's intestines (bowel). They are known medically as cestodes.
People are often unaware they have a tapeworm infection. They may have no symptoms or only very few symptoms, which are usually general.
In the UK, a tapeworm infection usually occurs when you eat raw contaminated pork, beef or freshwater fish. Not all tapeworms are acquired in the same way.
If you think you have a tapeworm infection, speak to your GP so they can give you a diagnosis.
Adult tapeworm infections are treated with medication. It is more complicated to treat infection with tapeworm larvae.
The beef tapeworm lives only in your intestine and infection with it is easily treated. Infection with other tapeworms or tapeworm larvae can lead to complications.
The best ways to prevent tapeworm infections are to prepare food properly and look after your personal hygiene, particularly around animals.