More info and a good site for more zoonotic

http://www.itg.be/itg/DistanceLearning/LectureNotesVandenEndenE/39_Helminthia...



12.3.6 Cestodes, Hymenolepis diminuta


Hymenolepis diminuta egg, copyright ITM





These cestodes belong to the Hymenolepididae. Hymenolepis diminuta is a tapeworm with cosmopolitan distribution. The adult parasite is found in the lumen of the small intestine. It is quite small for a tapeworm (2-6 cm), which is where its specific name comes from. The tapeworm is not armoured. Rodents (rats) are the normal final hosts. Various arthropods, including insects such as fleas are the intermediate hosts. If they are accidentally swallowed by a human, infection follows. Most infections are without symptoms. As with many cestodes the parasite is sensitive to praziquantel.


12.3.7 Cestodes, Hymenolepis nana


Hymenolepis nana eggs, copyright ITM





These cestodes belong to the Hymenolepididae. Hymenolepis nana (synonym Vampirolepis nana) occurs in foci and has a cosmopolitan distribution. The highest prevalence of this cestode is found in hot, dry regions. People become infected by swallowing an egg (faeco-oral transmission) or by accidentally swallowing an insect (flea, weevil) which acts as intermediate host. An intermediate host is not essential for infection. Humans are the only definitive host. The adult worm is found in the lumen of the small intestine. The adult parasite is smaller than H. diminuta: it only measures 2-4 cm (dwarf tapeworm). The strobila contains 100 to 200 proglottids. The course of infection is almost always asymptomatic. The treatment of choice is praziquantel
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