12. Taenia solium and swine cysticercosis Flashcards
(13 cards)
What is the primary definitive host (FH) for Taenia solium?
Man
Humans serve as the primary definitive host for Taenia solium, where the adult worm resides in the small intestine.
What is the intermediate host (IH) for Taenia solium?
Small ruminants, pigs, man
Pigs are the main intermediate host, but humans can also serve as accidental intermediate hosts.
What is the size range of Taenia solium?
3-8 m
The length of the adult Taenia solium can vary between 3 to 8 meters.
Describe the morphology of Taenia solium.
Four suckers, rostellum with 2 rows of 22-32 hooks, 800-900 proglottids
The morphology includes distinct structures for attachment and reproduction.
What is the life cycle of Taenia solium?
Embryonated eggs in feces, IH ingests eggs, oncospheres hatch, circulate to muscles, develop to cysticercus cellulosae
The cycle includes both definitive and intermediate hosts, leading to the formation of cysticercus in the muscles.
What happens when the definitive host of taenia solium ingests undercooked meat from the intermediate host?
In SI, cysticercus cellulosae evaginates, and the scolex attaches to the intestinal wall.
Over 5–8 weeks, the cysticercus mature to adult.
The adult tapeworm begins producing proglottids and eggs, which are passed in feces.
The larval stage develops into an adult tapeworm within the human small intestine.
True or False: Humans can become accidental intermediate hosts for Taenia solium.
True
Accidental infection can occur through ingestion of eggs, leading to extraintestinal complications.
T. solium - What is cysticercosis?
Presence of cysticercus cellulosae in muscle
Cysticercosis can lead to various health issues, particularly in humans.
What are the clinical signs of Taenia solium infection in humans?
Diarrhea, constipation, appendicitis, asymptomatic
Symptoms can vary widely, with some individuals being asymptomatic.
What is the treatment for Taenia solium infection in the definitive host?
Praziquantel
Praziquantel is the medication of choice for treating taeniasis in humans.
What control measures can be taken to prevent Taenia solium infection?
Good sanitation, thorough cooking of meat, health education
Preventive measures focus on hygiene and proper food handling.
How is Taenia solium diagnosed in humans?
Flotation method, gravid proglottids, CAT scan for cerebral cysticercosis
Diagnosis may involve various methods based on the stage and symptoms of the infection.
What is the size comparison of cysticercus in Taenia solium and Taenia saginata?
Larger in Taenia solium
The cysticercus of Taenia solium is notably larger compared to that of Taenia saginata.
