Helminthic Infestation, Tapeworm
Description General Measures Medicine Treatment Referral ICD-10 code: B68.0-1/B68.9 DESCRIPTION Infestation with tapeworm occurs after eating infected, undercooked or raw meat like beef or pork. Infestation may be caused by: beef tapeworm – Taenia saginata pork tapeworm – Taenia solium Signs and symptoms include: Vague abdominal pain Weight loss Diarrhoea Anal (nocturnal) itch Flat white worm seg
ICD-10 code: B68.0-1/B68.9
DESCRIPTION
Infestation with tapeworm occurs after eating infected, undercooked or raw meat like beef or pork.
Infestation may be caused by:
- beef tapeworm – Taenia saginata
- pork tapeworm – Taenia solium
Signs and symptoms include:
- Vague abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Diarrhoea
- Anal (nocturnal) itch
- Flat white worm segments seen in the stool (blunt ended)
GENERAL MEASURES
Health education about adequate preparation and cooking of meat.
MEDICINE TREATMENT
If the patient has diarrhoea, wait for it to settle.
- Albendazole, oral, daily for 3 days
- Children 1-2 years: 200 mg
- Children ≥2 years and adults: 400 mg
REFERRAL
- Abdominal tenderness or pain
- Abdominal masses
- Vomiting
Click here for the NEMLC Recommendations for medicine amendments (2020-4 review cycle).
Standard Treatment Guidelines And Essential Medicines List For South Africa, Primary Healthcare, 2020-4_Version 1_June 2024
Chapter 2: Gastro-Intestinal Conditions, 2.11 Helminthic Infestation, 2.11.1 Helminthic Infestation, Tapeworm