The adult tapeworm, which occurs in the human small intestine, has hooks on the scolex. The life-cycle is similar to that of T. saginata, except that the pig is the intermediate host. Heavy infections in pigs may be detected in vivo by inspecting the tongue for cysticerci. T. solium is particularly prevalent in communities where pigs are allowed to scavenge freely around human habitation. This species is particularly dangerous as the cysticerci (known as ‘measles’), which normally occur in the pig, can also develop in human tissues (brain and musculature). This may happen by swallowing eggs from the environment or, in people carrying a tapeworm, as a result of eggs being brought forward in the alimentary tract by retro-peristalsis. | The adult tapeworm, which occurs in the human small intestine, has hooks on the scolex. The life-cycle is similar to that of T. saginata, except that the pig is the intermediate host. Heavy infections in pigs may be detected in vivo by inspecting the tongue for cysticerci. T. solium is particularly prevalent in communities where pigs are allowed to scavenge freely around human habitation. This species is particularly dangerous as the cysticerci (known as ‘measles’), which normally occur in the pig, can also develop in human tissues (brain and musculature). This may happen by swallowing eggs from the environment or, in people carrying a tapeworm, as a result of eggs being brought forward in the alimentary tract by retro-peristalsis. |