Dwarf Tapeworm

Dwarf tapeworm is the most common human tapeworm in Australia. It is a parasitic infection of the stomach and intestine. This is a relatively small tapeworm (15-40 mm) and tends to infect children. The reservoir is rodents and transmission is oro-faecal.

In a study done in western states of Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Montana; only 1 out of 795 stool samples tested in spring season were positive for H. nana (0.1%), as compared to 30-35 % positive stools for Blastocystis hominis.

Stool sample and perhaps a blood test to confirm tapeworms treatment includes medicine Niclosamide or a single dose of praziquantel are the drugs of choice to kill the tapeworms. omplications need other tests, medicine and perhaps surgery.

Good hygiene can effectively prevent spread.