Taenia solium
Taenia solium
Taenia solium (/ˈtiːniə ˈsoʊliəm/), also known as the pork tapeworm, is a species of parasite that is part of the cestode family. The name "Taenia" is derived from the Greek word "tænia", which means "ribbon", and "solium" is Latin for "alone", referring to the solitary nature of the adult worm.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of Taenia solium involves two hosts. The primary host is humans, who become infected by ingesting undercooked pork containing cysticerci, the larval stage of the worm. The secondary host is pigs, which become infected by consuming human feces containing Taenia solium eggs.
Symptoms
In humans, infection with Taenia solium can lead to taeniasis, a condition characterized by mild abdominal symptoms. In some cases, the parasite can cause a more serious condition known as neurocysticercosis, which can lead to seizures and other neurological symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment for Taenia solium infection typically involves antiparasitic drugs such as praziquantel or albendazole. In cases of neurocysticercosis, additional treatment may be required to manage neurological symptoms.
Prevention
Prevention of Taenia solium infection primarily involves proper cooking of pork to kill any cysticerci, as well as good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of eggs.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Taenia solium
- Wikipedia's article - Taenia solium
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