Taenia solium
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| Taenia solium | |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Platyhelminthes |
| Class | Cestoda |
| Order | Cyclophyllidea |
| Family | Taeniidae |
| Genus | Taenia |
| Species | T. solium |
Also known as: Cysticercus cellulosae — Human pork tapeworm
Hosts
Intermediate host: Pig (natural intermediate host), man (accidental intermediate host) and very exceptionally the dog.
Definitive host: Man.
Identification
The adults are 3-5m in length, have a scolex, and several rows of hooks.
Life Cycle
The life-cycle is similar to that of T. saginata, except now the pig is the intermediate host. Gravid segments, containing the parasite eggs are passed in faeces. The oncospheres are then ingested by the intermediate host, in this case the pig, and pass into the blood system, infecting striated muscles. The cysticerci may also develop in the lungs, liver, kidney and the brain. Like T. saginata, humans, which are the definitive hosts, become infected via ingestion of poorly cooked meat containing viable cysticerci. Contrary to T. saginata, humans can also act as intermediate host. Cysticerci can develop in several tissues, including the central nervous system, causing neurocysticercosis in man.
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Literature Search
Use these links to find recent scientific publications via CAB Abstracts (log in required unless accessing from a subscribing organisation).
Taenia solium publications since 2000
References
Taylor, M.A, Coop, R.L., Wall,R.L. (2007) Veterinary Parasitology Blackwell Publishing
Ito A et al. Dogs as alternative intermediate hosts of Taenia solium in Papua (Irian Jaya), Indonesia confirmed by highly specific ELISA and immunoblot using native and recombinant antigens and mitochondrial DNA analysis. J Helminthol. 2002 Dec;76(4):311-4.