Taenia Solium Quiz: Questions and Answers

Study Notes

Flattened dorsoventrally, with some species microscopic and others up to 100 ft long
Covered by a cytoplasmic tegument, lacking a body cavity
Digestive system is either absent or rudimentary
Excretory system contains ciliated cells extending into excretory tubules
Most species are hermaphroditic, with adult worms reproducing sexually and larvae reproducing asexually

Utilize more than one host during their life cycle, except for Hymenolepis nana
Have a ribbon-like shape, made up of many similar segments or proglottids
Anterior end is the scolex, with a well-developed adhesive organ
Adult tapeworms inhabit the small intestine of vertebrates, while larvae inhabit tissues of vertebrates and invertebrates
Tapeworms are hermaphrodites, with both male and female reproductive organs in the same segment

Scolex is globular in shape, with 4 muscular suckers and 2 rows of hooks and rostellum
Strobila consists of 800-1000 proglottides
Gravid segment is longer than broad, with a median uterus and 7-13 lateral uterine branches
Eggs are similar to those of Taenia solium
Larval stage is Cysticercus bovis, an oval, fluid-filled bladder larva with an invaginated unarmed scolex
Habitat: Upper part of the small intestine of humans
Pathogenesis: Asymptomatic, but can cause acute intestinal obstruction and anemia
Diagnosis: Stool examination for eggs or segments

Scolex is globular in shape, with 4 muscular suckers and 2 rows of hooks and rostellum
Strobila consists of 1000-2000 proglottides
Gravid segment is longer than broad, with a median uterus and 7-13 lateral uterine branches
Egg: Globular or spherical, yellowish-brown, with a hooked ball embryo (oncosphere) with 6 hooks (hexacanth embryo)
Larval stage: Cysticercus cellulosae, a fluid-filled bladder larva with an armed invaginated scolex
Habitat: Upper part of the small intestine of humans
Pathogenesis: Causes Taeniasis or pork tapeworm infection
Intermediate host: Pigs
Final host: Humans