Types of Tapeworms and their Hosts

What is the primary habitat of the Taenia solium parasite in humans?

What is the characteristic symptom of Taeniasis caused by Taenia solium?

What is the intermediate host for Taenia solium?

What is the diagnostic stage of Cysticercosis caused by Taenia solium?

What is the primary mode of infection for Taeniasis?

What is the major risk factor for individuals to develop cysticercosis?

What is the complication of Taeniasis caused by Taenia solium?

What is the primary diagnostic tool for cysticercosis?

What is the infective stage of Cysticercosis caused by Taenia solium?

What is the primary prevention method for Taeniasis?

What is the laboratory test used to detect antibodies in cysticercosis?

What is the recommended temperature for at least 5 minutes to control Taeniasis?

What is the drug of choice for treating Taeniasis?

What is the recommended method for preventing Cysticercosis?

What is the additional treatment option for Cysticercosis in the brain?

What is the recommended method for controlling Taeniasis?

Taeniasis and Cysticercosis

Caused by two parasites: Taenia solium (Pork tapeworm) and Taenia saginata (Beef tapeworm)

Habitat and Definitive Host

Small intestine of humans (definitive host)

Intermediate Host

Pigs (swine) for Taenia solium
Cattle (cows, sheep, camel) for Taenia saginata

Infective Stage

Cysticercus cellulosa (Taeniasis) and eggs (Cysticercosis)
Cysticercus bovis for Taenia saginata

Diagnostic Stage

Taeniasis: Taenia eggs and gravid segments in stool
Cysticercosis: Cysticercus in biopsy

Clinical Picture

Taeniasis: Intestinal disturbances, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, hunger pain, increase of appetite, loss of weight, anxiety, anemia, and intestinal obstruction
Cysticercosis: Infection of human and pigs tissue with the larval stage of T. solium, autoinfection, and ingestion of contaminated food or water

Mode of Infection

Taeniasis: Eating imperfectly cooked beef or pork containing cysticercus
Cysticercosis: Autoinfection (egg from anus to mouth) or ingestion of contaminated food or water

Lab Diagnosis

Taeniasis: Stool examination for Taenia eggs or gravid segments in feces
Cysticercosis: CT or MRI scan of brain, serology (ELISA), biopsy, and eosinophilia

Prevention and Control

Taeniasis: Control of slaughterhouses and butchers, inspection of beef and pork for cysticercus, good cooking of meat (at least 56°C for 5 min) or freezing (at -10°C for 5-10 days)
Cysticercosis: Treatment of human excreta before use as animal manure, environmental sanitation, health education for personal hygiene and food hygiene

Treatment

Taeniasis: Praziquantel (drug of choice)
Cysticercosis: Praziquantel, Albendazole, steroidal anti-inflammatory (for edema), and surgical removal of cysts

This quiz covers the different types of tapeworms, their hosts, and the diseases they cause. Learn about Taenia solium and Taenia saginata, and their habitats and definitive hosts.