Cestodes

PARASITES

Introduction

Taenia proglottid - Courtesy of the Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine

This class differs from the Trematoda in that they have a tape-like body, with no alimentary canal. A cestode (tapeworm) is a chain (strobila) of progressively maturing, independent reproductive units (segments or proglottids) anchored at one end to the intestinal wall by a hold-fast organ (scolex). Each segment contains one set, or sometimes two sets, of male and female reproductive organs.

Cestoda Groups - Courtesy of C. Hermosilla, Royal Veterinary College

Tapeworm superfamilies:

Pseudophyllidea

Cyclophyllidea

• Occlusion of pancreatic ducts sometimes happens Pancreas - parasitic

• Mesocestoides in carnivores causing pyogranulomatous peritonitis

• Echinococcus granulosus in hydatid disease of lungs