How does *Taenia solium* differ from *Taenia saginata* in terms of human infection?
Understand the Problem
The question asks to find the key differences between Taenia solium and Taenia saginata related to human infection. We need to identify the option that accurately describes a difference in how these parasites affect humans.
Answer
*Taenia solium* can cause cysticercosis in humans, unlike *Taenia saginata*, which is limited to intestinal infections.
The key difference between Taenia solium and Taenia saginata in terms of human infection is that T. solium can cause cysticercosis (particularly neurocysticercosis) in humans, while T. saginata does not. T. saginata infections are generally limited to intestinal taeniasis.
Answer for screen readers
The key difference between Taenia solium and Taenia saginata in terms of human infection is that T. solium can cause cysticercosis (particularly neurocysticercosis) in humans, while T. saginata does not. T. saginata infections are generally limited to intestinal taeniasis.
More Information
Both Taenia solium and Taenia saginata cause intestinal infections (taeniasis) when humans consume undercooked beef or pork, respectively, containing the larval cysts. However, T. solium also poses a risk of cysticercosis if humans ingest T. solium eggs, which can develop into cysts in various tissues, including the brain (neurocysticercosis).
Tips
A common mistake is thinking both tapeworms pose the same risk. Always remember the risk of cysticercosis with T. solium.
Sources
- Taenia solium taeniasis - cdc.gov
- Reply to “To Differentiate Taenia Eggs” - ASM Journals - journals.asm.org
- Clinical Overview of Taeniasis - CDC - cdc.gov
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