C5 - Dipylidiasis

Question 1

common tapeworm infection caused by Dipylidium caninum

Answer 1

Dipylidiasis

Question 2

• primarily infects domestic and wild carnivores, especially dogs and cats, but occasionally humans.
• causes dipylidiasis

Answer 2

Dipylidium caninum

Question 3

when was dipylidiasis first described

Answer 3

1758 by Linnaeus

Question 4

life cycle pattern of D. caninum

Answer 4

1. gravid proglotids passed intact in feces or emerge from perianal region
2. proglottids disintegrate and release egg packets
3. larvae of typical flea intermediate host ingest egg packets; oncosphere hatch and develop into cysticercoids
4. flea larvae mature into adult fleas which continue to harbor infective cysticercoids
5. definitive host is infected by ingesting fleas with cysticercoids
6. cysicercoids become adult and scolex attach to small intestine

Question 5

infective stage of Dipylidium

Answer 5

cysticercoids

Question 6

mode of transmission Dipylidium

Answer 6

ingestion of infected fleas or lice

Question 7

intermediate host: flea

Answer 7

• Ctenocephalides felis
• Ctenocephalides canis

Question 8

intermediate host: lice

Answer 8

Trichodectes canis

Question 9

symptoms of Dipylidiasis

Answer 9

• most are asymptomatic
• in heavy infestations:
  1. visible proglottids in stool
  2. anal irritation
  3. abdominal pain or discomfort
  4. increased hunger (polyphagia)
  5. diarrhea
  6. loss of appetite
  7. allergic reaction

Question 10

rare complications caused by dipylidiasis

Answer 10

gastrointestinal obstruction
(nausea, vomiting and distension)

Question 11

diagnosis of dipylidiasis

Answer 11

1. fecal floatation test
2. gross detection and evaluation of proglottids
3. fecal test for D. caninum antigen
4. fecal PCR tests for D. caninum

Question 12

geographical distribution of Dipylidium caninum

Answer 12

• worldwide
• more common in warm climates where stray dogs and cats are prevalent

Question 13

who is at risk of dipylidiasis

Answer 13

• dogs and cats
• humans esp. children

Question 14

treatment for dipylidiasis

Answer 14

1. praziquantel
2. niclosamide
3. epsiprantel

Question 15

prevention of dipylidiasis

Answer 15

1. flea control treatments
2. regularly bathe and groom pets
3. wash and clean pet bedding, carpets, and furniture
4. treat all pets in household
5. handwash
6. proper disposal of feces