#pork tapeworm

[dailybugfacts]

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TODAY'S FACT IS

Did you know that the Pork Tapeworm (Taenia solium) is a tapeworm commonly found everywhere in the world that pork is eaten? The immature worms develop in the pigs that eat the worm's eggs. Eventually the worms develop into infective cysts in the pig's meat. When we eat the undercooked (or not cooked at all) meat, the cyst develops into the adult worm. Because the worm latches itself into the small intestine, it can easily drop its eggs into the feces of its host, allowing it to spread. Typically these worms reach lengths of 2-3m long, but they have been recorded at lengths above 8m.

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Photo by Kat Masback

[the-worm-in-his-head]

Mx. Worm, do you know what type of parasitic worm you are? I know your Host said no one knows, but I doubt that profoundly.

Taenia solium, the pork tapeworm.

[forestvagrant]

taenia solium aka the pork tapeworm

[saihua-corner]

the taenia solium cysticercus is so pretty

[zoologyverse]

Taenia solium (Pork Tapeworm)

Introduction Taenia solium, commonly referred to as the pork tapeworm, is a parasitic flatworm of great medical and veterinary significance. It belongs to the phylum Platyhelminthes and class Cestoda. This tapeworm primarily infects humans as the definitive host and pigs as the intermediate host. Taenia solium causes two distinct diseases: taeniasis, an intestinal infection by adult tapeworms…

Taenia solium (Pork Tapeworm)

[dragon-gendered]

Shoutout to anyone in the UK who eats pork:

Two times this year, I’ve found tapeworm cysts in my pork. Even though tapeworm cysts usually aren’t dangerous (assuming the meat is cooked through), it makes the meat taste, smell and feel bad.

Since the two pork products in question were from different providers that haven’t had any problems in the past, I’m gonna go out on a limb and guess that tapeworm in pork is on a surge. Since there are potential health risks involved, here’s how you spot infected meat:

- Meat may smell like urine, before and/or during cooking.

- Meat may make “popping” sounds while cooking - this is the cysts expanding and bursting under the heat. THESE CYSTS WILL BE VISIBLE ONCE COOKED. Slice through any bulbous areas to look for them.

- Meat may have a spongy texture when cooked.

- Meat won’t taste of much. You’ll probably get a tang of that lovely urine-esque aroma.

- If your gut instinct says no, trust it. If you’re retching or gagging, give up on the meat.

[cranquis]

It's been too long since I studied the life-cycle of taenia solium, so I can't vouch for the accuracy of this drawing -- but I think we can all agree it's pretty funny.