Pork Tapeworms

Question 1

What is the species that causes pork tapeworms?

Answer 1

Taenia solium

Question 2

What does the adult pork tapeworms scolex and proglottid look like?

Answer 2

4 scolex and 2 rows of hooks

Proglottid has fewer uterine branches

Question 3

What happens if taenia solium eggs or proglottids are ingested?

Answer 3

Cysticercosis

Question 4

What are the feature of cysticercosis?

Answer 4

Neurocysticercosis- epilepsy/RICP

Ocular- altered vision and blindness

Extraneural- painless swellings that become tender and disappear

Asymptomatic

Question 5

How do you treat cysticercosis?

Answer 5

Albendazole with steroids to reduce inflammatory response
AEDs
Neurosurgical intervention

Question 6

What are the interventions to control T.Solium?

Answer 6

Tx of human taeniasis
Vaccinate and Tx pigs
Health education, hygiene and food safety
End open defecation
Improve pig husbandry
Improve meat inspection and processing of meat products

Question 7

How does the WHO help with controlling T Solium?

Answer 7

Maps endemic areas
Negotiated the donation of taenicides
Supports validation of control programmes
Provides guidance of implementation of control programmes
Works with vetenary partners to promote pig health