Dipylidium caninum
Dipylidium caninum
Dipylidium caninum (pronunciation: /dɪˈpɪlɪdiəm kəˈnaɪnəm/), also known as the canine tapeworm or double-pored tapeworm, is a parasite that commonly infects dogs and cats, but can also infect humans, especially children.
Etymology
The name Dipylidium is derived from the Greek words di (meaning two) and pylidium (meaning pouch), referring to the two genital pores found in each segment of the worm. Caninum is Latin for "of the dog", indicating the primary host of the parasite.
Description
Dipylidium caninum is a type of cestode or tapeworm, characterized by its long, flat, segmented body. Each segment, or proglottid, contains two sets of reproductive organs, giving it the name "double-pored tapeworm". The adult tapeworm attaches to the small intestine of the host, where it absorbs nutrients and produces eggs.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of Dipylidium caninum involves two hosts. The primary host, usually a dog or cat, ingests the intermediate host, a flea or louse, which contains the tapeworm's larvae. Once inside the primary host, the larvae develop into adult tapeworms.
Symptoms and Treatment
Infection with Dipylidium caninum can cause a variety of symptoms in the host, including weight loss, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Treatment typically involves the administration of a anthelmintic drug to kill the tapeworms.
Prevention
Prevention of Dipylidium caninum infection primarily involves controlling flea populations, as fleas are the intermediate host of the tapeworm.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dipylidium caninum
- Wikipedia's article - Dipylidium caninum
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