TAENIASIS

Parasitology Department

Taenia saginata

Taenia solium

Cysticercus spp

Life Cycle

Pathology and symptomatology

Human 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
tissue
- Prefered sites are the brain, eyes, skeletal
muscles, heart, liver and lungs
- Many 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 feces
- QDP (Questionaire Demonstration
Proglotids)
- Anal swab
Treatment :
- Praziquantel

Prevention :
Personal hygiene
Avoid consuming raw or unproperly
cooked pork
Treatment of infected person