| Risk Factors Tapeworms are large, flat parasitic worms that
live in the intestinal tracts of some animals. They are passed
to humans who consume foods or water contaminated with tapeworm
eggs or larvae. Six types of tapeworms are known to infect
humans, usually identified by their source of infestation: beef,
pork, fish, dog, rodent, and dwarf (named because it is small).
There are often no symptoms as tapeworms grow in humans. In some
cases, untreated tapeworm infection can be life-threatening or
lead to permanent tissue damage. But, tapeworm infections
confined to the intestines can easily be treated with
medication. Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. Tapeworm
infection in people usually results from eating undercooked
foods from infected animals. Pigs or cattle, for example, become
infected when grazing in pastures or drinking contaminated
water. People can also become infected by eating contaminated
fish that is raw or undercooked. The parasites mature in the
animal’s intestines to pea-shaped larva