Tapeworms
- subgroup of Helmiths (parasitic worms)
Morphology
- Scolex- head part
- Acetabulum are “suckers” on the scolex of some tapeworms
- Neck
- Proglottid
- Each segment has male anf female reproductive components
Intestinal tapeworm infections
Taenia saginata- beef tapeworm
Ø TRANSMISSION: larva in infected beef
Ø causes mechanical blockage
Taenia solium- pork tapeworm
Ø TRANSMISSION: larva in infected pork
Ø causes mechanical blockage
Diphyllobothrium latum- fish tapeworm
Ø TRANSMISSION: larva from infected fish
Ø causes mechanical blockage and competes for Vit B12.
Hymenolepis diminuta- rat tapeworm
Ø TRANSMISSION: larva from infected flea
Ø
Hymenolepis nana- dwarf tapeworm
Ø TRANSMISSION: egg
Ø
Dipylidium caninum- dog tapeworm
Ø transmission: larvae from infected flea
All of the above cause malabsorption and all are treated with Niclosamide or Praziquantel; All are DIAGNOSED through stool examination looking for eggs (hexacanth) or proglottids. All adult tapeworms live in the intestine.
Extraintestinal tapeworm infections
Cysticercosis- T. solium
- caused by larva of T. solium developing in organs (only T solium can do this)
- TRANSMISSION: Ingestion of egg of T. solium
- Causes- local inflammation in involved organ; CNS involvement is severe
- DIAGNOSIS: clinical symptoms, serology, surgery
- TREATMENT: Albendazole or surgery
Sparganosis- D. latum
- caused by larva of D. latum- related tapeworm—Spirometra mansonoides
- TRANSMISSION- ingestion of Procercoid larva
- Causes local inflammation
- Diagnosis: clinical, surgical
- TREATMENT: none
Hydatid Disease- Echinococcus granulosus
- caused by larvae of dog tapeworm
- TRANSMISSION: ingestion of egg which hatches in intestine
- DIAGNOSIS: serology, X-ray, surgery
- TREATMENT: Albendazole, surgery
Tags: Cysticercosis, D. latum, Diphyllobothrium latum, Dipylidium caninum, Echinococcus granulosus, Extraintestinal infections, Hydatid Disease, Hymenolepis nana, larva, Sparganosis, Taenia saginata, tapeworm
