Cestode: Beef Tapeworm Flashcards
What are oncospheres?
tapeworm embryos
What is cysticercus?
Stage/form of worm in animal tissue (infectious larvae cyst)
Explain the life cycle of the beef cestode
Eggs in feces are eaten by intermediate host (pig, cow – from the environment) Intermediate host carries cyst (larvae - CYCTICERCUS) in tissues (muscle)
- Cysts in animal muscle consumed by another animal or by infected animal leading to re-infection
- Human with adult worms in GI tract
- Worms can attach to intestine or penetrate
What are the clinical manifestations of beef cestode?
- majority are asymptomatic
- sometimes non-specific epigastric discomfort
- proglottids may climb through anus
In what countries is the Beef Tapeworm (Cestode) most common?
Central Asia, East Africa, Central and South American, Near East
How is the beef cestode transferred to humans?
Beef cestode is spread to humans by consumption of cyst-infected uncooked beef
How do you diagnose Beef Tapeworm?
Examine stool – proglottids are motile (can “climb” through anus).
- Patient may pass entire worm (5-6 meters long)
- Cow proglottids are longer (lab knows this)
- Eggs in feces - both cow and pig look the same – just treat
- No eosinophilia
- Multiple exams may need to be performed as egg and proglottid release is sporadic
How do you treat beef tapeworm (cestode)?
Look it up and punt
How do you prevent infection by beef cestode?
- Cook beef at 56 deg x 5 min. ????
- Freeze - 5-10 days
- Sanitation to prevent cattle infection