Hamsters can be infested by the taenia Rodentolepis nana (previously known as Hymenolepis nana), a tapeworm with both direct and indirect life cycles which is potentially zoonotic. The infestation is generally asymptomatic, although in severe cases the animal may develop enteritis, constipation or intestinal obstruction. The treatment is administration of niclosamide.
Nematodes of the hamster (pinworms) are Aspiculuris tetraptera, Syphacia muris and Syphacia obvelata, which are thought not to be pathogenic. The eggs have a characteristic banana shape. The treatment is administration of piperazine.