Taenia saginata, or the beef tapeworm, is a parasitic flatworm transmitted to humans through the consumption of undercooked or raw beef containing the larval form (cysticerci) of the tapeworm. The infection it causes is called taeniasis, which is characterized by the presence of the adult tapeworm in the small intestine. Once ingested, the larvae attach to the intestinal wall and mature into an adult tapeworm, which can grow up to 10 meters in length.
Symptoms of taeniasis caused by Taenia saginata are often mild or asymptomatic, but in some cases, individuals may experience abdominal discomfort, nausea, changes in appetite, weight loss, and diarrhea. The most noticeable sign of infection is the passage of proglottids (tapeworm segments) in the stool, which may cause discomfort or irritation.
Unlike Taenia solium (pork tapeworm), Taenia saginata does not lead to cysticercosis, as its larvae cannot invade human tissues. Therefore, the infection is typically less dangerous. Treatment involves antiparasitic medications that target the adult tapeworm, causing it to detach from the intestinal wall and be expelled from the body. Preventive measures include thoroughly cooking beef and improving meat inspection standards to reduce the risk of contamination.
