Which parasite is commonly acquired by eating undercooked freshwater fish, causing fish tapeworm infection?

Which parasite is commonly acquired by eating undercooked freshwater fish, causing fish tapeworm infection?

• A. Diphyllobothrium latum
• B. Taenia solium
• C. Dipylidium caninum
• D. Echinococcus granulosus

Answer: (A)

Eating undercooked freshwater fish can introduce a fish tapeworm, specifically Diphyllobothrium latum, into the human intestine. This parasite grows long in the gut and can cause symptoms from mild abdominal discomfort to anemia, because it often interferes with vitamin B12 absorption in the ileum.

Why this fits best here: Diphyllobothrium latum is the classic fish tapeworm transmitted through raw or undercooked freshwater fish (like certain salmon or trout). The other parasites have different sources: Taenia solium is linked to undercooked pork, Dipylidium caninum comes from ingesting fleas typically via contact with dogs or cats, and Echinococcus granulosus causes hydatid disease from exposure to infected dog feces.