Infective stage to humans Morphological Features Size: About 10 mm in diameter; but size varies greatly White and oval in shape; visible to naked eye as shiny white dots on meat Has a fluid filled bladder consisting of a single invaginated scolex Upon ingestion, the scolex evaginates and begins development into an adult

Disease: Taeniasis Habitat in human: Small intestine of human Definitive host: Human Intermediate host: Cattle Diagnosis of infection: Microscopic examination of faeces to detect eggs + proglottids Morphological Features of Scolex Rounded or slightly pear-shaped Size: 1-2 mm in diameter 04 cup-like suckers No rostellum or hooks          

Longer than wide 16-20 mm long × 5-7 mm wide Uterus: Central stem with 15-20 main lateral branches on each side In faeces: single detached proglottides

Mature proglottides are slightly wider than long 300-400 testes; bilobed ovary Single genital pore opens laterally, alternating between left and right side of proglottides

Longer than wide; measure about 12 mm in length x 5-7 mm wide Uterus has a central stem with 7-13 main lateral branches on each side In faeces: short chains of 2-3 proglottides  

Wider than long, measuring 12 x 6 mm Testes are composed of 150-200 follicles 03 lobes in ovary – one accessory lobe that is not present in T. saginata Single genital pore opens laterally, alternating between left and right side of proglottides  

Disease: Taeniasis Habitat in human: Small intestine Definitive host: Human Intermediate host: Pigs; human can also be the intermediate host Diagnosis: Microscopic examination of faeces to detect eggs + proglottids Morphological Features of Scolex Globular shaped Size: about 1 mm in diameter 04 cup-like suckers Short pigmented rostellum and a double row of 25 – […]

Protects from host’s digestive enzymes; not involved in nutrient absorption Consists of a cuticle, hypodermis and muscle

Tapeworm tegument facilitates nutrition absorption (as they lack a gut) and protection from host’s digestive enzymes and immune responses Tapeworms have microtrichia (microvilli-like structures) on the outer surface of tegument

Tegument (body covering) is largely protective, but some nutrient transfer may occur Outer surface of tegument consists of spines – facilitate attachment to host