Category:Taeniidae

Taeniidae

Like most adult tapeworms, Taenia species live in the small intestine. They are cestodes, and the different species vary in length from 0.5-15m long. Identification is based on the hooks on the scolex. Despite their impressive size, the adult tapeworms of little clinical significance. The metacestodes of some species, however, may cause disease or meat inspection losses. The human pork tapeworm, Taenia solium, is a dangerous zoonosis but, fortunately, it does not occur in the UK.


Taenia proglottid
CDC/ Dr. Mae Melvin 1974, WikiMedia Commons