TAENIASISParasitology Department

Taenia saginata

Taenia solium

Cysticercus spp

Life Cycle

Pathology and symptomatologyHuman cases of intestinal taeniasis show mild subacute inflamation of the intestinal mucosa due to attachment of the scolex to the mucosa with its hooks and suckers

Adult parasite :- the disease is called teaniasis - asymptomatic- symptomps are generally mild- if present, they are gastrointestinal disturbances such as :

- nausea- abdominal pain- vomitting- decreased appetite- loss of weight- weakness

- diarrhea or constipation- hunger pain- headache- intestinal ostruction : appendicitis

Another characteristic symptom is an itch accompanied by uncomfortable sensation in the anal region which is due to free proglottids coming out the anus

Larvae/Cysticercus :- the disease is called human cysticercosis- upon ingestion by humans the outer shell disintegrates in the small intestine and the onchosphere is able to invade the intestinal wall and enter the blood vessel.- the larva complete development in 2 months

It may be carried in the blood stream to any part of the body and may lodge in any tissuePrefered sites are the brain, eyes, skeletal muscles, heart, liver and lungsMany cases are asymptomatic

- Most commonly heavy infections are in the brain and eye- 60 % are found in the brain, 3 % are in the eye- Worldwide, neurocysticercosis(NCC) is the most common parasite disease of CNS

- The most frequent symptoms are focal seizure and headache- Cysticercosis of the eye gives rise such as : visual difficulties, retinal oedema,hemorhage/vasculitis or detachment

When cysticercus are developed in the muscle, in large numbers, it produces myositis, muscle swelling then calcification

Mode of transmission : Ingestion of raw or insufficiently cooked pork harboring Cysticercus cellulosae

Diagnosis :motile proglottid in fecesQDP (Questionaire Demonstration Proglotids)Anal swab

Treatment :- Praziquantel

Prevention :Personal hygieneAvoid consuming raw or unproperly cooked porkTreatment of infected person