Diphyllobothrium latum is another
term for broad or fish tapeworm. Humans and animals alike can contract
a Diphyllobothriasis infection from the Diphyllobothrium latum by
ingesting undercooked or raw fish. Although born out of Scandinavia
and western Russia, it has also become an issue in North America.
There are various types of Diphyllobothrium such as D. dendriticum,
which is salmon tapeworm, as well as D. pacificum, D. cordatum,
D. ursi and D. dallie.
The cause and treatment of Diphyllobothrium latum are both simple.
Humans are infected when they eat a fish contaminated with tapeworms
that hasn’t been properly cooked. When a person is infected
with Diphyllobothrium latum, the person will experience symptoms
such as abdominal pain, vomiting, weight loss, constipation, diarrhea
and more. Luckily, like the cause, the treatment of Diphyllobothrium
latum is fast and easy.
Once a person is diagnosed, their doctor will typically prescribe
them a single dose of an anthelmintic medication. Still, there are
alternatives for those who don’t wish to take a prescription.
There are homeopathic treatments that claim to help attack and remove
intestinal parasites, as well as restore your intestinal tract once
the parasites are eliminated.
To prevent being infested, make sure your fish is properly cooked,
or if raw, that it has been frozen at -10 degrees Celsius for up
to 48 hours.
