Tapeworms, which occur worldwide and range in size from about 1 mm (0.04 inch) to more than 15 m (50 feet), are internal parasites, affecting certain invertebrates and the liver or digestive tracts of all types of vertebrates—including humans, domestic animals, and other food animals, such as fish.
Where do tapeworms live in nature?
WHERE DO TAPEWORMS LIVE? Tapeworms live in the guts of animals such as pigs, cats, and humans. The host becomes infected when it eats food containing tapeworm eggs or young.
Where are tapeworms most likely to be found?
Tapeworm infections due to T. solium are more prevalent in under-developed communities with poor sanitation and where people eat raw or undercooked pork. Higher rates of illness have been seen in people in Latin America, Eastern Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, India, and Asia.
Where do most tapeworms come from?
Overview. Tapeworm infection is caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with tapeworm eggs or larvae. If you ingest certain tapeworm eggs, they can migrate outside your intestines and form larval cysts in body tissues and organs (invasive infection).
Do tapeworms live in the wild?
Tapeworms live in almost all land, ocean, and freshwater habitats where their host--vertebrates--live. Most adult tapeworms live in the intestines of their hosts, but a few species live inside the body cavity.
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