Management and Therapy

Diagnostic Tests

To diagnose, one usually can see gravid proglottids in the stool or can feel motile proglottids in the anal region. Using microscopy, the proglottids can be viewed to determine which type of Taenia is present. These proglottids placed between two slides should be placed in 10% formaldehyde solution and the branches injected with India ink. If 12 or more branches are seen, this will positively diagnose T. saginata. To obtain the proglottids, transparent adhesive tape should be used in the anal region. Using microscopy to view the eggs will only diagnose Taenia, but cannot definitively specificy which tapeworm (beef or pork) is present.

Management

T. saginata is usually relatively benign, so the important thing is simply to make a diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment can begin soon after.

Therapy

Niclosamide or quinacrine hydrochloride has been used to get rid of the tape worm. Niclosamide damages the worm to the point of dissolution and is the preferred treatment. Praziquantel is often added to this regiment at a single dose of 10 mg/kg body weight. Mebendazole at 300 mg twice daily for three days has also been reported to be effective.

 

Niclosamide

http://www.chemicalland21.com/lifescience/phar/NICLOSAMIDE.htm