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Taenia solium and Taenia saginata: Introduction, Differences, Keynotes, and Few Related Photos

Introduction of Taenia solium and Taenia saginata

Taenia saginata is the beef tapeworm, a worldwide distribution in countries where cattle are raised and beef is eaten. Taenia solium is the pork tapeworm and it is not as widely distributed as T. saginata. It occurs mainly in Southern Africa, China, India and Central America. Both tapeworms live in the small intestine (upper jejunum) of man. These tapeworms use humans as its definitive host while pigs/beef as the intermediate or secondary hosts.

Differences between Taenia solium and Taenia saginata

The differences between Taenia solium and Taenia saginata are as follows-

CharactersTaenia soliumTaenia saginata
Common namePork tapewormBeef tapeworm
Length2-3 meters5-10 meters
Proglottids (gravid segments)800-9001000-2000
Scolex (head)with hookletswithout hooklets
Vaginavaginal sphincter absentvaginal sphincter present
Ovaries 2 in number, with an accessory lobe2 in number, without any accessory lobe
Egg Acid-fast embryophore of eggNon-acid fast embryophore of egg
Intermediate hostPigbeef
Table: The differences between Taenia solium and Taenia saginata

Keynotes on Taenia solium and Taenia saginata

  • The adult worms of T. saginata consist of the scolex (head), neck, and strobila which is made of a large number of proglottids (segments). It’s size up to 10 meters and life span of 10 years.
  • Taenia solium life span is 25 years and its size 2-3 meters in length. Egg size of 30-40 µm and eggs are viable for up to 8 weeks.
  • Cysticercus cellulosae (bladder worm) takes 5 to 12 weeks to becomes an adult worm.
  • Taenia solium is the causative agent of neurocysticercosis and it is a parasitic infection caused by larval cysts. Larval cysts are enclosed sacs containing the immature stage of a parasite.

Few Related Photos

Egg of Taenia in stool examination

Fig. Egg of Taenia in stool examination

Adult Tapeworm

Fig. Adult tapeworm preserved in formalin

Egg of Taenia in Stool Examination

Dog Tapeworm

Fig. Dog tapeworm
Medical Lab Notes

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