clinical features
Last reviewed 01/2018
Asymptomatic in the majority.
Usually, if symptomatic, then there may be mild epigastric and abdominal pain, and occasional vomiting and diarrhoea. Weight loss is not a usual feature.
Rarely, more severe clinical manifestations may occur. These occur as a result of obstruction of the appendix (appendicitis) or pancreatic ducts (pancreatitis) by the adult worms.
The commonest symptom of infection with beef tapeworm is the presence of proglottids - segments of the adult tape worm body - in bedding, underclothes, or faeces.