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Diphyllobothriasis - Treatment

Alternative Names

Fish tapeworm infection

Treatment:

Medicines to fight the parasites are given in a single dose to treat the tapeworm infection. Vitamin B12 injections or supplements may be needed to treat megaloblastic anemia.

Expectations (prognosis):

Fish tapeworms can be eradicated with a single treatment dose. There are no lasting effects.

Complications:

Megaloblastic anemia
Intestinal blockage

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have noticed a worm or segments of a worm in the stool. Also call if any family members have symptoms suggestive of pernicious anemia.

Antibodies

Reviewed last on: 8/16/2007
Arnold L. Lentnek, MD, Division of Infectious Disease, Kennestone Hospital, Marietta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

References

Sampaio JLM, Andrade VP, Lucas MC, et al. Diphyllobothriasis. Emerg Infect Dis. 2005;11:1598-1600.

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