Bovine Cestodes

Question 1

Taenia saginata-Common Name

Answer 1

Beef tapeworm, pearly beef

Question 2

Taenia saginata-Hosts

Answer 2

DH: Humans Zoonosis
IH: Cattle

Question 3

Taenia saginata-Identification

Answer 3

Adult: 8 m long, unarmed scolex with 4 suckers
Cysticercus: size of pea
Egg: taeniid type, 30 um with thick radially striated shell surrounding hexacanth embryo

Question 4

Taenia saginata-Life Cycle

Answer 4

Indirect. PPP = 2-3 mths
Gravis segments passed in feces from DH→ release eggs→ oncosphere ingested by IH→ hatches and penetrates small intestine→ migrates by blood to muscles→ forms cysticerci (infective stage)→ humans ingest uncooked meat with cysticerci

Question 5

Taenia saginata-Site of Infection

Answer 5

IH: striated (cardiac and skeletal) muscle
DH: small intestines

Question 6

Taenia saginata-Pathogenesis and Lesions/Clinical Signs

Answer 6

DH: discomfort with passing segments
IH: none except with heavy infection with cysticerci in heart

Question 7

Taenia saginata-Diagnosis

Answer 7

Meat inspection to detect cysticerci in muscles of IH
Fecal exam of DH may demonstrate taeniid egg
Serology–ELISA or antibody tests

Question 8

Taenia saginata-Treatment and Prevention

Answer 8

Praziquantel (expensive)
Dissemination of information
Cook meat, freeze meat, hygiene