A 50-year-old man presented with back pain and painful urination, prompting him to seek medical attention. X-ray results revealed that he had tapeworm larvae parasitizing his entire body, including his brain, chest, arms, and legs. These larvae measured 3-5 mm in diameter. In addition to the parasitic infection, the patient also had other health issues such as ureteral stones, kidney stones, gallbladder stones, and a right inguinal hernia causing lower back pain.
The patient admitted to enjoying and frequently consuming rare pork, blood pudding, fermented pork rolls, and salad. The doctor speculated that this dietary habit may have been the cause of the tapeworm infection. The patient is currently undergoing treatment at the Department of General Surgery and is reported to be in stable condition.
Parasitic diseases often develop without noticeable symptoms, leading many individuals to only seek medical attention once their health deteriorates significantly. Tapeworm infections can have serious consequences, potentially affecting the nervous system and causing symptoms such as fever, headache, dizziness, convulsions, memory loss, and paralysis.
The majority of parasitic worm infections are attributed to dietary factors, with people consuming undercooked or contaminated food containing parasite eggs or larvae. Some infections may also occur through skin contact, particularly for individuals who walk barefoot. To prevent parasitic infections, it is recommended to follow good food hygiene practices, avoid consuming raw or undercooked meat, and periodically deworm as prescribed by healthcare professionals.