Diagnosis of Tapeworm infections
History:Patients sometimes give history of passing worms or segments of worms in the stool.
Stool test:Examination of proglottids passed in the stool of the patient reveals tapeworm infections.
The characteristic diagnostic feature of the beef tapeworm infection is the ability of the proglottids to crawl.
Microscopic examination:Microscopic identification of the eggs is the basis of specific tapeworm infection diagnosis.
Blood test: It shows elevated levels of eosinophils in the blood of the patient.
Presences of large and pale red blood cells are indicative of vitamin B12 deficiency characteristic of fish tapeworm infections.
Blood samples are taken from the patient to detect the presence of antibodies against the larval stage of the tapeworm.
Cysticercosis: In case of neurocysticercosis an MRI, CT-scan is performed. In case of lodgment of the cyst in the muscles, liver, other areas, the tissue is taken from the affected area for biopsy and other antibody tests. Ultrasound imaging facilitates in the direct method of identification/viewing of the adult tapeworm.
