Samuel Perry. Introduction Monsters Inside Found world wide, but is common in regions where humans...
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Transcript of Samuel Perry. Introduction Monsters Inside Found world wide, but is common in regions where humans...
Taenia solium (Pork Tapeworm)
Samuel Perry
IntroductionMonsters InsideFound world wide, but is common in regions
where humans work closely with pigs and eat ill-prepared pork.
Intermediate host – pigsDefinitive host - humans
AnatomyScolex – Common name for the “head”. All
tapeworms, or Cyclophyllids, have four suckers.Proglottids – The segments that form the body of
the tapeworm. Each proglottid contains both male and female reproductive structures, allowing them to independently reproduce. New proglottids are produced near the anterior end of the tapeworm, pushing older segments to the posterior end.
Gravid Proglottids – When a proglottid reaches the tail of the tapeworm, only the reproductive tract is left in tact. The proglottid then drops off, creating a makeshift “egg sac”, or gravid proglottid.
AnatomyRostellum – The circular row of hooks that
appear to be teeth.Cysticercus – The larval cyst of the
tapeworm, which, if consumed through undercooked meat, attach to the intestinal wall where it will develop proglottids as it matures.
Life Cycle
SymptomsThe condition when cysticerci develop in the
tissues/organs of humans of called cysticercosis.
Symptoms depend on where the cysticerci form.
Symptoms range from death to nothing at all. Symptoms of a normal intestinal infection
include malnutrition, abdominal discomfort, constipation, diarrhea, and weight loss.
TreatmentPraziquantel is the preferred drug to treat
intestinal infestations of tapeworms. Albendazole combined with steroid
treatments are used for patients with cysticercosis. Anti-seizure medication may also be beneficial.
Surgery can be used to remove problematic cysticerci.
DiagnosisEggs and gravid proglottids found in the fecal
matter diagnose intestinal infections, not cysticercosis.
Blood tests detect antibodies to the parasite.Tissue biopsies of the infected areas.CT scans, MRIs, and x-rays can detect
lesions.
PreventionAvoid contact with pigs.Do not consume raw or undercooked pork.Do not eat pork from likely infested sources.Cook meat at 150 degrees F.Wash hands after using the bathroom.Thoroughly wash all raw fruits and vegetables before
eating.Drink only known sanitary water.Avoid drinking fountains or ice cubes in areas where
pigs roam freely or where sanitation is inadequate. Freezing is also effective, as cysticerci are known to
die at temperatures below -10 C and over 50 C.