B71: Other cestode infections

B71.1: Dipylidiasis

Cucumber seed tapeworms are parasites that can infect dogs or cats. Parasites are small creatures that, at least for periods of time, live off other creatures. In humans they can cause illnesses. The eggs of the cucumber seed tapeworm develop in dog fleas or cat fleas and become infectious tapeworms. You can become infected by swallowing dog or cat fleas.

Tapeworm can also cause stomach pain or diarrhea. It is also possible that you have no symptoms at all.