diagnosis
Last reviewed 01/2018
Diagnosis can be made macroscopically, i.e. presence of proglottids (segments of the body of the tapeworms) in the bedding, underclothes or faeces of the patient. Also, microscopic examination of the faeces or perianal region may reveal tapeworm eggs.
A method of obtaining a higher yield in the diagnostic procedure is to take perianal swabs with clear adhesive tape for ova. If this technique is used, then the head (scolex) or body segments (proglottid) are required for identification of the infective species.