Cestodes: Taeniasis

Question 1

What is Taeniasis?

Answer 1

tapeworm infection acquired from eating infected beef or pork

Question 2

What are the causative organisms for Taeniasis?

Answer 2

1. Taenia saginata (cows)

2. Taenia solium (pigs)

Question 3

What are the symptoms/syndrome of Taeniasis in animals?

Answer 3

subclinical

Question 4

What is the mortality rate for Taeniasis?

2

Answer 4

1. usually none

2. cysticercosis possibly fatal if not treated

Question 5

Where does Taeniasis occur?

2

Answer 5

1. places where beef or pork are eaten undercooked or raw

2. places where pigs and cattle are permitted access to human feces

Question 6

How is Taeniasis transmitted?

2

Answer 6

1. Ingestion of cysticerci in raw or undercooked beef or pork
2. Ingestion of Taenia solium leading to cysticercosis in humans

Question 7

How is Taeniasis treated?

2

Answer 7

1. antiparasitics

2. surgical resection of cysticerci

Question 8

How is Taeniasis controlled and prevented?

4

Answer 8

1. Prevent contamination of swine/cattle feed w/ human feces
2. Cook meat well or freeze it (for at least 4 days) before eating
3. Personal hygiene
4. Don’t fertilize gardens w/ human waste