Taeniasis refers to infection of the human intestines by adult tapeworms of the genus Taenia [1]. The species responsible for human infection include Taenia solium (pork tapeworm), Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm), and Taenia asiatica (Asian tapeworm) [1].
Disease overview
Parasitic Evidence-backed information EN 5/7 applicable sections · ZH 5/7 applicable sections Updated Oct 23, 2026
Taeniasis is an intestinal infection caused by adult tapeworms of the genus Taenia, typically producing few or no symptoms [1]. It remains a considerable public-health burden in developing regions, with an estimated 50 million people affected globally together with cysticercosis [1]. The disease is most common in the developing world, while fewer than 1,000 cases occur annually in the United States [1].
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Most individuals experience no or only mild symptoms, though occasional weight loss or abdominal pain may occur [1]. Visible tapeworm segments in stool can be a sign of infection [1]. Intestinal infection by adult T. solium is usually asymptomatic, but heavy infection may lead to anaemia and indigestion [1].
Together with cysticercosis, taeniasis affects about 50 million people worldwide and is most prevalent in the developing world [1]. In the United States, fewer than 1,000 cases are reported each year [1]. In Vietnam, true prevalence in rural hotspots may reach 13% for taeniasis, with presence documented in 60 of 63 provinces [2]. In Madagascar, human taeniasis represents a considerable burden alongside cysticercosis [3].
Taenia saginata infection arises from consuming contaminated undercooked beef, whereas T. solium and T. asiatica result from contaminated undercooked pork [1]. Adult worms develop roughly eight weeks after infection and may persist for years without treatment [1].
Proper cooking of meat is a primary preventive measure against taeniasis [1]. Broader efforts include treating active human cases, vaccinating and treating pigs, stricter meat inspection, health education, improved sanitation, and better pig-raising practices [1]. Preventing human faeces from contaminating pig feed and thorough cooking or freezing of meat at −10 °C for five days also reduce transmission [1]. Preventive chemotherapy using praziquantel, albendazole, or niclosamide has shown utility for control in endemic populations, though evidence certainty is low [4].
- 1 Wikipedia contributors. Taeniasis - Wikipedia [Internet]. Wikipedia. cited 3 Sept 2026. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taeniasis
- 2 Ng-Nguyen D et al. A systematic review of taeniasis, cysticercosis and trichinellosis in Vietnam. Parasit Vectors. 2017 Mar 21. PMID: 28320455. doi: 10.1186/s13071-017-2085-9. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28320455/
- 3 Carod JF et al. Cysticercosis in Madagascar. J Infect Dev Ctries. 2020 Sep 30. PMID: 33031077. doi: 10.3855/jidc.13450. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33031077/
- 4 Haby MM et al. Systematic review of the effectiveness of selected drugs for preventive chemotherapy for Taenia solium taeniasis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2020 Jan. PMID: 31945055. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007873. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31945055/
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