Tapeworms Flashcards
What are the 2 main species of tapeworm?
Echinococcus granulosus
Taenia solium
Describe the life cycle of Echinococcus granulosus
Humans are an intermediate host
Proliferate internally in cysts
Where is Echinococcus endemic in Aus?
Everywhere but Tas
What are the symptoms of Echinococcus infection?
Cysts principally in lungs and liver, can cause symptoms (especially if they break)
How is Echinococcus infection diagnosed?
Imaging
Serology
How is Echinococcus infection treated?
Surgery
PAIR (puncture, aspiration of fluid, injection of pure ethanol, re-aspiration)
Anti-helminthics
How is Echinococcus infection prevented?
Prevention of infection in dogs
Vaccination of livestock
Education
What kind of immunity is mounted to Echinococcus?
Good immunity
Vaccine induces protection against egg infection
Describe the life cycle of Taenia solium
Humans can be definitive or intermediate hosts (acquired by ingesting raw or poorly cooked meat)
Scolex attaches to small intestine
Eggs shed in faeces
Where is Taenia found?
Africa, Latin America, Asia
What are the symptoms of Taenia infection?
Cysts in subcutaneous and neural tissues (can cause epileptic foci)
How is Taenia infection diagnosed?
Imaging
Serology
How is Taenia infection treated?
Anti-helminthics (with caution as breaking down the worm can cause symptoms due to immune activation)
How is Taenia infection prevented?
Treatment of carriers
Avoiding eating pork
Sanitary disposal of sewage
Vaccination in pigs
What kind of immune response is developed to Taenia?
Good
Vaccination induces protection against egg infection
