ABSTRACT
Background Taeniasis and cysticercosis are diseases resulting from infection with parasitic
tapeworms belonging to Taenia species. Approximately 45 species of Taenia have been identified; however, the two most commonly responsible for human infection are the pork tapeworm Taenia solium and the beef tapeworm Taenia saginata. Parasitic tapeworm infections occur worldwide, causing sickness, malnutrition and often resulting in the death of their host. Infection with adult tapeworms of either T. solium or T. saginata cause taeniasis in humans. The metacestode, or larval stage, of Taenia solium causes the tissue infection, cysticercosis. Clinical manifestations associated with the tapeworm infection can vary greatly and may range from mild forms where patients exhibit little to no symptoms, to severe life-threatening forms which are often fatal.
