Taeniasis Presenting as Motile Worms in the Stools: An Emerging but Neglected Parasitic Disease

Many parasitic infections essentially pose a significant public health problem throughout the world. However, the consequence of the issue is felt more among developing countries like India. This is majorly due to unsatisfactory hygienic practices and overcrowding, among others. Moreover, taeniasis caused by the parasites Taenia solium and Taenia saginata is a zoonotic infection transmitted via pigs and cattle, respectively. Even though the animals are the primary hosts where the parasite lives, humans also can suffer from infestation after consuming the eggs in contaminated food and water. Interestingly, there is a lower level of awareness regarding such types of Taenia infections in humans. On the contrary, most physicians and some people know that parasite transmission generally happens from the consumption of raw/undercooked pork and beef, which may result in a more serious consequence like neurocysticercosis. However, Taenia infestation in the intestines equally affects humans where people become reservoirs of infection, and suffer from severe morbidity. We present a case of worm infestation in a teenage girl who presented with severe peri-anal itching and motile worms in the stools.

Automated summary

Parasitic infections pose a significant public health problem globally, with developing countries like India being more affected. Zoonotic infections caused by Taenia solium and Taenia saginata transmitted via pigs and cattle may lead to human infestation. There is a low level of awareness regarding Taenia infections among humans.