Definition of Taeniasis:

Taeniasis is a tapeworm infection.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Tapeworm infection is acquired by eating raw or undercooked meat of infected animals. Beef generally carry Taenia saginata (T. saginata) while pigs carry Taenia solium (T. solium). In the human intestine, the larvae from the infected meat develop into the adult tapeworm -- which can grow to longer than 12 feet.

Tapeworms are segmented, with each segment capable of producing eggs. Eggs are dispersed individually or in groups and can pass out with the stool or through the anus.

Adults and children withT. solium pork tapeworm can, if appropriate hygiene is lacking, become self-infected by ingesting eggs from tapeworm that are picked up on their hands while wiping or scratching the anus.

Additionally, these individuals can expose other individuals to T. solium eggs, usually through food handling.