The Brain and Spine Institute is made up of experts in the field of neuroscience in order to bring patients the best healthcare in East Tennessee for a full range of neurological diseases and disorders.
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We provide a comprehensive continuum of cancer services, including prevention, outreach, diagnostic, treatment and support services delivered by our highly skilled staff with compassion and care.
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The Center for Women & Children's Health is a hub for supporting women's and children's individual healthcare needs. The center provides support, research and unmatched patient-centered care.
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Emergency and Trauma Services is the only Level I Trauma Center in the area and serves as the tertiary referral center for medical care in East Tennessee, serving Knox County and 21 surrounding counties.
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The Heart Lung Vascular Institute brings together expertise in clinical care, teaching and research. Patients receive exceptional healthcare combined with patient-centered care.
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Hymenolepiasis
Definition
Hymenolepiasis is infestation by one of two species of tapeworm: Hymenolepis nana or Hymenolepis diminuta.
Alternative Names
Dwarf tapeworm infection; Rat tapeworm; Tapeworm - infection
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Hymenolepis live in warm climates and are common in the southern United States. The eggs of these worms are ingested by insects.
Humans and other animals become infected when they intentionally or unintentionally eat material contaminated by insects. In an infected person, it is possible for the worm's entire life-cycle to be completed in the bowel, so infection can persist for years.
Hymenolepis nana infections are much more common than Hymenolepis diminuta infections in humans. These infections were previously common in the southeastern United States, and have been described in crowded environments and individuals confined to institutions. However, the disease occurs throughout the world.
Symptoms
Symptoms occur only with heavy infections. Symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Itchy anus
- Poor appetite
- Weakness
Signs and tests
Examination of the stool for eggs confirms the diagnosis.
Treatment
Praziquantel as a single dose is the current treatment of choice for this condition.
Support Groups
Expectations (prognosis)
Expect full recovery following treatment.
Complications
- Abdominal discomfort
- Dehydration from prolonged diarrhea
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if chronic diarrhea or abdominal cramping are present.
Prevention
Good hygiene, public health and sanitation programs, and elimination of rats help prevent the spread of hymenolepiasis.
References
Blanton R. Adult tapeworm infections. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th Ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 299.
Richard FO Jr. Diphyllobothrium, dipylidium, and hymenolepsis species. In: Long SS, Pickering LK, Prober CG. Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2008: chap: 279.
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