Written by Hannah Segal and Edited by Sorina Long
The ever-expanding cultures of food and global cuisine has brought diverse ranges of nourishment and taste. However, our changing habits and association with foods, such as undercooked meats and seafoods, have brought an incredibly complex, and unwelcome, dinner guest: parasites. Different parasites can be present in many dishes, but when it comes to meat, it is important to look out for those of the Taenia genus [1].
Taeniasis is an illness that affects the human digestive system and is caused by tapeworm infections from species in the Taenia genus. Eating raw or undercooked pork (T. solium and T. asiatica) or beef (T. saginata) are primary risk factors for the disease. People who contract disease from this parasite may be asymptomatic or develop mild symptoms including abdominal pain, upset stomach, and weight loss. This tapeworm infection can take up to 8-14 weeks to develop, and can take between 6-8 weeks for symptoms to appear [1]. In humans, tapeworm segments may be visible as they pass through the anus and in the feces [2] [3].
The keys to the propagation of this parasite’s life involves its contact between intermediate hosts like cattle and pigs, and humans, specifically in human fecal material containing infective eggs [2]. Cattle and pigs can become intermediate hosts if tapeworms in the larval state develop in them. Humans then become the definitive host when an infected pig or cow that still has the parasite in its tissue is consumed, which ultimately takes up residence in the small intestines of the human[2] [3].
Meat hygiene achieved through strict inspection and correct processing, as well as cooking is fundamental to the prevention of Taeniasis from both beef and pork. While many regulations exist to guide the inspection of meat prior to sale, it is still vital to note that raw consumption can potentially lead to infection [4] [5]. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), parasitic infections that commonly arise from food are often neglected in food safety systems and inspections, even though they can potentially cause severe human health problems. Because of this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all meat be cooked to safe temperatures. A food thermometer can be used to measure the internal temperature of the cooked meat to ensure these safety precautions are met [1] [3]. Although, if you think you have Taeniasis, contact your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and care.
References
- “Taeniasis – General Information.” (2020). CDC, Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 2020. Accessed 16 Jan. 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/taeniasis/gen_info/faqs.html.
- Okello, A, Thomas. LF. (2017). Human Taeniasis: current insights into prevention and management strategies in endemic countries. Risk Management Health Policy. 10:107-116.
- Haby, MM., Sosa Leon, L.. M., Luciañez, A.., Nicholls, R.., Reveiz, L.., Donadeu, M. (2020). Systematic review of the effectiveness of selected drugs for preventive chemotherapy for Taenia solium taeniasis. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2020; 14: e0007873.
- “Tapeworm infection: Symptoms and Causes.” (2020). Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2020, Accessed 18 Jan. 2021.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tapeworm/symptoms-causes/syc-20378174. - Flisser, Ana., Viniegra, Ana-Elena., Aguilar-Vega, Laura., Garza-Rodriguez, Adriana., Maravilla, Pablo., Avila, Guillermina. (2004). “Portrait of Human Tapeworms.” The Journal of Parasitology,90:914–916.