Roundworm vs. Tapeworm — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 15, 2024
Roundworms are cylindrical parasites affecting the intestines, often transmitted through soil; tapeworms are flat, segmented worms, typically ingested via undercooked meat.
Difference Between Roundworm and Tapeworm
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Roundworms, such as Ascaris lumbricoides, inhabit the intestines and are usually transmitted through contact with contaminated soil, making them common in areas with poor sanitation. Whereas tapeworms, such as Taenia solium, are acquired by ingesting undercooked or contaminated meat and attach to the intestines with their hook-like mouthparts.
Roundworm infections can cause symptoms like cough, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, intestinal blockage. On the other hand, tapeworm infections may be asymptomatic or cause nausea, weakness, and weight loss, depending on the severity and location of the infestation.
The lifecycle of a roundworm typically involves eggs being passed in feces, which then contaminate soil and infect hosts. Conversely, tapeworms require an intermediate host, such as livestock, where larvae develop before becoming infectious to humans who consume the meat.
Roundworms are generally larger and less segmented than tapeworms. Tapeworms can grow much longer, sometimes reaching up to several meters in length, and consist of multiple segments, each capable of becoming a new worm.
While roundworm treatment usually involves antiparasitic medication that kills the worms, tapeworm treatment might also include medications but focuses on ensuring all segments are expelled to prevent recurrence.
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Comparison Chart
Shape
Cylindrical and unsegmented
Flat and segmented
Transmission
Contaminated soil
Ingestion of undercooked/contaminated meat
Common Species
Ascaris lumbricoides
Taenia solium, Taenia saginata
Symptoms
Cough, abdominal pain, blockage
Nausea, weakness, weight loss
Lifecycle
Eggs in feces -> Soil -> Host
Eggs in feces -> Intermediate host -> Host
Compare with Definitions
Roundworm
A parasitic nematode living primarily in the intestines of its host.
Children playing in contaminated soil are at risk of roundworm infection.
Tapeworm
A flat, segmented worm that lives in the intestines of vertebrates.
Eating undercooked pork can lead to an infection with tapeworms.
Roundworm
Can cause a range of symptoms, sometimes severe.
Severe roundworm infestation can lead to dangerous intestinal blockages.
Tapeworm
Segments can break off and pass out of the body.
Tapeworm segments may be visible in the feces of infected individuals.
Roundworm
Treatment involves antiparasitic medications.
She was prescribed medication to clear the roundworm infection.
Tapeworm
Can grow several meters long inside the host.
Some tapeworms in humans have been recorded to be over 8 meters long.
Roundworm
Known for their cylindrical, non-segmented body.
Roundworms are easily distinguishable from other worms due to their shape.
Tapeworm
Often acquired through consumption of contaminated meat.
Proper cooking of meat is essential to prevent tapeworm infections.
Roundworm
Transmission is typically fecal-oral.
Roundworm eggs must mature in soil before becoming infectious.
Tapeworm
Treatment aims to remove all segments to prevent regrowth.
He underwent treatment to ensure all tapeworm segments were expelled.
Roundworm
See nematode.
Tapeworm
Any of various long segmented parasitic flatworms of the class Cestoda that lack a digestive system and have hooks or suckers for attaching to the intestines of vertebrates, including humans. Also called cestode.
Roundworm
An invertebrate animal of the phylum Nematoda and other similar phyla. Many species of roundworms are parasites.
Tapeworm
(countable) Any parasitical worm of the class or infraclass Cestoda, which infest the intestines of animals, including humans, often infecting different host species during their life cycle.
Roundworm
A nematoid worm.
Tapeworm
(countable) A broad fish tapeworm, Diphyllobothrium latum.
Roundworm
Infections of the skin or nails caused by fungi and appearing as itching circular patches
Tapeworm
(uncountable) Infection by tapeworms.
Roundworm
Unsegmented worms with elongated rounded body pointed at both ends; mostly free-living but some are parasitic
Tapeworm
Ribbon-like flatworms that are parasitic in the intestines of humans and other vertebrates
Common Curiosities
How do you prevent roundworm and tapeworm infections?
Prevent roundworm by practicing good hygiene and sanitation, and prevent tapeworm by thoroughly cooking meat.
What are the main habitats of roundworms and tapeworms?
Roundworms are commonly found in the intestines and are transmitted via soil, while tapeworms are also intestinal but require consumption of contaminated meat for transmission.
Can both roundworms and tapeworms be seen in human feces?
Yes, both can sometimes be visible as parts of worms in the feces of infected individuals.
What does a tapeworm infection feel like?
Many infections are asymptomatic, but some people experience abdominal discomfort, nausea, and weight loss.
What are the health risks associated with roundworms and tapeworms?
Both can cause nutritional deficiencies and intestinal complications, but tapeworms can also lead to serious conditions like cysticercosis if not properly treated.
Are roundworm and tapeworm infections treatable?
Yes, both are treatable with antiparasitic medications, but complete removal is crucial, especially with tapeworms to prevent recurrence.
What are the signs of a severe tapeworm infection?
Severe infections can lead to digestive issues, malnutrition, and in rare cases, invasive infections affecting other body parts.
How long can tapeworms live in a human?
Tapeworms can live for many years inside a human host if not treated.
Can roundworm infections be asymptomatic?
Yes, especially mild infections may not produce noticeable symptoms.
Do roundworms and tapeworms affect animals in the same way as humans?
Yes, many of the same species infect both humans and animals, causing similar health issues.
What types of roundworms are most common in humans?
The most common is Ascaris lumbricoides, but hookworms and pinworms are also prevalent.
Can you have both a roundworm and a tapeworm infection at the same time?
Yes, it's possible to be infected with both if exposed to the respective sources of infection.
What are intermediate hosts for tapeworms?
Common intermediate hosts include pigs, cows, and fish, depending on the tapeworm species.
What is the difference in lifecycle between a roundworm and a tapeworm?
Roundworms directly infect their host from the soil, while tapeworms require an intermediate host where larvae develop.
What should be done if you suspect a worm infection?
Consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and appropriate treatment based on the type of worm suspected.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
