Larvae can even lay dormant in the tissues of animals waiting to become active. Food. Just like you'd expect from a parasite, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms feed off the blood of their host dog, cat or person. Infestations.
Can tapeworms be dormant?
The most common type of parasites and worms that affect pet dogs and cats are hookworms, whipworms, roundworms, and tapeworms. The effects of worms are particularly pervasive, as they can lay dormant in your pet's system for quite some time before physical symptoms manifest.
How long can tapeworms go undetected?
Depending on the species, tapeworms can live for up to 20-30 years. Many times, people can be infected for long periods of time without even knowing they have a tapeworm infection. While viral or bacterial infections can disappear in a matter of days or weeks, a tapeworm could be with you for years.
Can you have tapeworms for years?
When you have an intestinal tapeworm infection, the tapeworm head adheres to the intestinal wall, and the proglottids grow and produce eggs. Adult tapeworms can live for up to 30 years in a host. Intestinal tapeworm infections are usually mild, with only one or two adult tapeworms.
Can tapeworms disappear on their own?
Some people with tapeworm infections never need treatment, for the tapeworm exits the body on its own. Others don't realize they have it because they have no symptoms. However, if you're diagnosed with intestinal tapeworm infection, medication will likely be prescribed to get rid of it.
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