The key difference between pinworm (threadworm) and tapeworm is that pinworm or threadworm is a tiny white thread-like roundworm while tapeworm is a long-segmented ribbon-like flatworm.
Pinworm and tapeworm are two types of worms that reside in our intestine. Both are parasitic worms. Pinworms or threadworms are roundworms, which are tiny white worms. In contrast, tapeworms are long flatworms which are segmented. They look like ribbons. Both types of worms are transmitted via the faecal-oral route. Antiworm medication and practising good hygiene can effectively treat both types of worm infections.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Pinworm (Threadworm)
3. What is Tapeworm
4. Similarities Between Pinworm (Threadworm) and Tapeworm
5. Side by Side Comparison – Pinworm (Threadworm) vs Tapeworm in Tabular Form
6. Summary
What is Pinworm (Threadworm)?
Pinworm or threadworm is a tiny white roundworm that lives as a parasite in our intestine. They are the most common type of intestinal worms. Pinworm infection takes place once you ingest eggs. Eggs hatch inside the small intestine, and then larvae go into your large intestine and live as parasites. After 1 to 2 months, adult female pinworms travel through the large intestine to the anus. They also lay eggs on the surface of the skin around the anus. It triggers itching in that area, particularly at night (since female pinworms are most active at night). Therefore, the most common symptoms of pinworm infection are itching around the anus and restless sleep. Excess scratching can cause bacterial infections.
Figure 01: Pinworm
Pinworms easily transmit among people via the faecal-oral route. Antiworm medicines, regular hand washing and routine household cleaning will prevent the spreading of pinworm infection. People at any age can be subject to pinworm infection, but, children are the most susceptible. Self re-infection of pinworms is also common in people.
What is Tapeworm?
Tapeworm is a ribbon-like worm. It is a flatworm that has a segmented body. It is long and can grow to more than 20 feet long. Tapeworms live in our intestine, similar to pinworms. Tapeworm infection happens through their eggs. When we ingest food or water contaminated with eggs, tapeworm infection occurs. The eggs hatch inside the intestine and worms mature there. Then they lay eggs and eggs pass with stools and continue their life cycle. They also contaminate food and water. When you eat raw or undercooked meat or fish, there is a higher chance of getting tapeworm infections.
Figure 02: Tapeworm
Symptoms of tapeworm infections include upset stomach, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and weight loss. In rare cases, a condition called neurocysticercosis can happen when tapeworm migrate to the brain. Antiworm medication can effectively treat tapeworm infections. Moreover, regular hand washing is another way of preventing tapeworm infection. Cooking meats and fish to the recommended temperature before eating is another preventive measure of tapeworm infections.
What are the Similarities Between Pinworm (Threadworm) and Tapeworm?
- Both pinworm and tapeworm can infect the intestine.
- They are parasitic worms.
- Transmission of both types of worms occurs via an oral faecal route through eggs.
- Most pinworm and tapeworm infections can be treated with medication.
- Regular hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent both types of worm infections.
What is the Difference Between Pinworm (Threadworm) and Tapeworm?
Pinworm (or threadworm) is a tiny, white roundworm which lives in our intestine. Tapeworm, on the other hand, is a long flat, segmented worm that lives in our intestine. So, this is the key difference between pinworm (threadworm) and tapeworm. Pinworms appear as threads while tapeworms appear as long ribbons. Furthermore, itching around the anus and restless sleep are the most common symptoms of pinworm infections while stomach upset, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and weight loss are several symptoms of tapeworm infections. Practising good hygiene and antiworm medication are two of the best ways to prevent both types of infections.
You can find more details of the difference between pinworm (threadworm) and tapeworm in the below infographic.
Summary – Pinworm (Threadworm) vs Tapeworm
Pinworm and tapeworm are two types of parasitic worms residing in our intestine. Pinworms are tiny white roundworms while tapeworms are long segmented flatworms. Pinworms look like threads, thus known as threadworms, while tapeworms look like ribbons. They both follow faecal-oral transmission. Antiworm medication can effectively treat both types of infections. Moreover, practising good hygiene is another way of preventing these infections. Thus, this summarizes the difference between pinworm (threadworm) and tapeworm.
Reference:
1. “Pinworms, Roundworms, Tapeworms: The Microscopic Invaders That Could Infect Your Kids.” Healthy Balance, 3 Aug. 2018, Available here.
2. “Threadworms (Pinworms).” MyDr.com.au, 16 June 2020, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Enterobius vermicularis life cycle” By SuSanA Secretariat (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
2. “Figure 45 06 10ab” By CNX OpenStax – (CC BY 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia