Tapeworms—Hymenolepis nana and Hymenolepis diminuta cause hymenolepiasis and are transmitted through rat poop: There are several tapeworms that are passed through rodent feces.

Hymenolepis nana and H. diminuta are passed to humans if a human eats flour infested with beetles that have eaten rat poop. In addition to normal tapeworm symptoms, nervous system disturbances such as increased restlessness and convulsions can occur. So, don’t eat food contaminated with rodent feces or beetles.

In this fecal floatation you can see the egg with the little scolex (head with horn-like things that later bite into and attach to the inside of the small intestine) in the center of the egg.

To read about symptoms, how to diagnose and treatment of Tapeworms, go to the Tapeworm Introduction page.