Vl 12 Cestodes

Question 1

Why is differential diagnosis of Taenia solium and T. saginata important?

Answer 1

Taenia solium causes cysticercosis, while T. saginata does not⇒ defining solium is important to reduce fatal/ severe symptomatic transmission

Question 2

How does Taenia crassiceps change the balance of host hormones and what are the consequences?

Answer 2

metacestodes induce IL-6 production in murine testes⇒ upregulation of p-450 aromatase (converts testosterone into estradiol)⇒ 10% normal testosterone level⇒ 200x normal estradiole level
⇒ feminization of male mice (doesn’t like testosterone)

Question 3

How does cysticercosis develop?

Answer 3

tapeworm (T. solium) eggs swallowed⇒ larvae hatch ⇒ penetrate intestine, enter bloodstream and invade tissues⇒ develop into cysterci

neurocysticercosis: cysts in brain parenchyma

Question 4

Describe the complications of an Echinococcus infection. Which pathogens cause the disease?

Answer 4

both in liver

E.granulosus: one big cyst - easy to get out via surgery
- can cause obstructions, leading to ascites (Wasserbauch)

E.multilocularis: infection branched - chemotherapy or transplant only viable treatments

The eggs are the pathogens

Question 5

What is the therapy of choice against cestodes and trematodes? How does the drug act?

Answer 5

Praziquantel

• we think it inhibits calcium transport in worms
• no resistance developing
• no side effects
  BUT: no proof and no alternative explanation how and why it works

we dont know, how it works, but it does, so we use it!