The diagnostic stage of Taenia solium is the identification of eggs in fecal samples through microscopy. Additionally, serological tests can be used to detect antibodies against Taenia solium in the blood to confirm the infection. Imaging techniques like CT or MRI may also be used to visualize cysticerci in tissues.
Taenia solium is more dangerous than Taenia saginata because in humans, cesticerci as well as adults can develop. An accidental injestion of eggs or proglottids results in liberation of embryos that migrate to any of several organs to form cesticerci. This condition is called cesticercosis.
Cestoda, or cestodes, is a class of parasitic flatworm. Examples of cestodes include: Taenia solium, (pork tapeworm), Diphyllobothrium (fish tapeworm), and Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm).
Colicky abdominal pain (more common in children)NauseaWeaknessLoss of appetiteIncreased appetiteHeadacheConstipationDizzinessDiarrheaHyperexcitability
DefinitionCysticercosis is an infection by a parasite called Taenia solium (T. solium), a pork tapeworm, that creates cysts in different areas in the body.See also: TeniasisCauses, incidence, and risk factorsCysticercosis is caused by swallowing eggs from T. solium, which are found in contaminated food. Autoinfection is when a person is already infected with adult T. solium, then swallows eggs following improper hand washing after a bowel movement.Risk factors include eating pork, fruits, and vegetables contaminated with T. solium as a result of unhealthy cooking preparation. The disease can also be spread by contact with infected people or fecal matter.The disease is rare in the United States, but is common in many developing countries.SymptomsMost often, the worms stay in muscles and do not cause symptoms.Symptoms that do occur depend on where the infection is found:Brain lesions can result in seizures or symptoms similar to those of a brain tumor.Eye lesions can cause decreased vision or blindness.Heart lesions can lead to abnormal heart rhythms or heart failure (rare).Spine lesions can lead to weakness or changes in walking.Signs and testsTests that may be done include:Blood tests to detect antibodies to the parasiteBiopsy of the affected areaCT scan, MRI scan, or x-rays to detect the lesionSpinal tap (lumbar puncture)TreatmentTreatment may involve:Medications to kill the parasites (antiparasitic treatments)Powerful anti-inflammatories (steroids) to reduce swellingIf the cyst is in the eye or the brain, steroids should be started a few days before other medicines to avoid problems caused by swelling during antiparasitic treatment. Not all patients benefit from antiparastic treatment.Sometimes surgery may be needed to remove the infected area.Expectations (prognosis)The outlook is generally good, unless the lesion has caused blindness, heart failure, or brain damage. These are rare complications.ComplicationsBlindness, decreased visionHeart failure or abnormal rhythmSeizures, increased pressure in the brainCalling your health care providerIf you have any symptoms of cysticercosis, contact your health care provider.PreventionAvoid unclean foods, don't eat uncooked foods while traveling, and always wash fruits and vegetables well.ReferencesKraft R. Cysticercosis: an emerging parasitic disease. Am Fam Physician. 2007 Jul 1;76(1):91-6.King CH. Cestode infections. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 375.
Taenia solium was created in 1758.
Dipylidium caninum Taenia pisiformis Taenia taeniaeformis Taenia solium
Larva
Taenia solium and Taenia saginata are both types of tapeworms that infect humans, but they have some key differences. Taenia solium, also known as the pork tapeworm, is primarily found in pigs and can be transmitted to humans through the consumption of undercooked pork. This tapeworm can cause cysticercosis, a serious condition where the larvae form cysts in the body tissues, including the brain, leading to neurological symptoms. On the other hand, Taenia saginata, or the beef tapeworm, is found in cattle and can be transmitted to humans through the consumption of undercooked beef. While Taenia saginata can also cause symptoms such as abdominal pain and weight loss, it does not typically lead to cysticercosis like Taenia solium. In summary, the key differences between Taenia solium and Taenia saginata lie in their sources of infection, with Taenia solium being associated with pork and causing cysticercosis, while Taenia saginata is associated with beef and does not typically lead to cysticercosis.
The diagnostic stage of Taenia solium is the identification of eggs in fecal samples through microscopy. Additionally, serological tests can be used to detect antibodies against Taenia solium in the blood to confirm the infection. Imaging techniques like CT or MRI may also be used to visualize cysticerci in tissues.
Taeniasis is a tapeworm parasite; Taenia solium (the pork tapeworm) Taenia saginata (the beef tapeworm)
Taenia solium and Taenia saginata are two types of tapeworms that infect humans. The key difference between them is their intermediate hosts - Taenia solium uses pigs as intermediate hosts, while Taenia saginata uses cattle. This difference impacts their transmission to humans, as consuming undercooked pork or beef containing the larvae can lead to infection. Taenia solium poses a greater health risk to humans compared to Taenia saginata, as it can cause cysticercosis when the larvae migrate to different tissues in the body, including the brain. This can result in serious health complications, such as seizures and neurological disorders. On the other hand, Taenia saginata typically causes milder symptoms in humans, such as abdominal discomfort. Overall, the key differences in intermediate hosts and potential health risks make Taenia solium a more concerning parasite for human health compared to Taenia saginata.
Taenia solium* has up to 1,000 proglottids * has scolex armed with hooks* has gravid proglottids containing 50,000 eggs (each proglottid)Taenia saginata* has from 1,000 to 2,000 proglottids * hasn't a scolex armature* has gravid proglottids containing 100,000 eggs (each proglottid)
Taenia solium is more dangerous than Taenia saginata because in humans, cesticerci as well as adults can develop. An accidental injestion of eggs or proglottids results in liberation of embryos that migrate to any of several organs to form cesticerci. This condition is called cesticercosis.
The genus of tapeworm commonly found in humans is Taenia, with species such as Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm) and Taenia solium (pork tapeworm).
Kingdom:AnimaliaPhylum:PlatyhelminthesClass:CestodaOrder:CyclophyllideaFamily:TaeniidaeGenus:Taenia
Cestoda, or cestodes, is a class of parasitic flatworm. Examples of cestodes include: Taenia solium, (pork tapeworm), Diphyllobothrium (fish tapeworm), and Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm).