4. ANCIENT & MODERN
Earliest infection of tapeworms in general
was found in 2 million year old African pre-
human remains
Earliest infection of D. latum found in
4,000-10,000 year old human remains in
South America, yet few cases are now
reported in South America (mainly in
Europe and Asia)
However, no distinct ‘point’ in time where
D. latum infected humans
In Europe, epidemics traditionally started
with Jewish women tasting uncooked fish
while preparing gefilte fish
Introduced to North America by
Scandinavian immigrants; spread by dogs
that were fed raw fish
8. PHARMACEUTICALS
Praziquantel- 95% effective,
preferable
Niclosamide- slightly less effective,
with few side effects
1-2 hours after taking drug, saline
purge person to flush worms out of
body
Both are available in oral tablets,
and only need to be taken once.
9.
10. PREVENTION PLANS
Avoid eating raw fish
Proper disposal of human feces; no
dumping of sewage into bodies of
water.
Fish that is brined, completely
cooked, or frozen at -10˚C for 24
hours is free of infection
Prompt treatment of infected humans
Preventing large mammals to gain
access to aquaculture sites (as in
Chile)
11.
12. DISCUSSION
Often people refuse to take the pharmaceutical drugs and
use herbal remedies (ie: buttermilk with Sprague powder,
lemon juice with black salt, etc) in their place. Since these
remedies lack the 95% effectiveness of medication, how can
these people be convinced to take Praziquantel?
By completely avoiding raw fish, Diphyllobothriasis can be
completely eradicated. So, why not mandate that all fish be
frozen, smoked, or cooked?
