Diphyllobothrium latum

Background

• A type of tapeworm infection

Clinical Features

• Usually asymptomatic, may have GI symptoms
• Rarely, migrating proglottids can cause cholangitis, cholecystitis, or intestinal obstruction
• Competes for absorption of vitamin B12, causes pernicious anemia

Management

• Praziquantel 5-10 mg/kg x 1 dose
• Replete vitamin B12 if patient has megaloblastic anemia

See Also

• Worm Infections
• Parasitic Diseases
• Travel Medicine