What type of anemia results from the long-term Vitamin B12 deficiency caused by fish tapeworm?
Answer
Megaloblastic anemia
The deficiency in Vitamin B12, caused by the adult tapeworm absorbing the nutrient, directly impacts red blood cell production and maturation within the bone marrow. When Vitamin B12 levels are critically low over an extended period, the body produces red blood cells that are abnormally large, structurally immature, and often fail to function optimally. This specific hematological condition is scientifically defined as megaloblastic anemia. This complication underscores the insidious nature of the infection, as it causes a systemic deficiency rather than just local intestinal irritation.
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