Taenia saginatus (Taenia saginata, beef tapeworm)

Introduction

Humans are the only definitive host.

Epidemiology

• present world-wide
• prevalent in:
  • Middle East
  • Africa
  • Europe
  • Asia
  • Latin America
• humans are only definitive host for the adult stage

Pathology

• 3-10 meter long tapeworm
• inhabits upper jejunum

Clinical manifestations

• abdominal discomfort
• diarrhea

Laboratory

• stool examination for eggs (3 months after infection)
  • eggs spherical 31-43 um in diameter
  • egg shell is thick striated & contains a 6-hooked embryo
  • eggs from Taenia species are indistinguishable
• identification made from recovery of proglottid or scolex
  • Taenia proglottids have a lateral protrusion called a genital pore
  • injection of India ink through genital pore with a tuberculin syringe may outline the uterus
  • gravid uterus of Taenia has 15-20 lateral branches
• complete blood count: eosinophilia may be present
• serum IgE may be elevated
• Taenia saginatus serology

Management

• praziquantel 10-20 mg/kg PO single dose
• niclosamide 0.5-2 g chewed thoroughly (single dose)

More general terms

• Taenia