Hymenolepis diminuta (Rat Tapeworm)

  • Disease: Hymenolepiasis
  • Habitat in human: Small intestine
  • Definitive host: Primarily rodents; can infect human accidentally
  • Intermediate host: Arthropods, commonly stored-grain beetles
  • Diagnosis: Microscopic examination of faeces to detect eggs
Morphological Features of Scolex
  • Size: 2 -0.4 mm in diameter
  • Shape: Globular or club shaped
  • Four cup-shaped suckers
  • Rostellum is rudimentary; Lacks hooks
Magnification X4
magnification X10
Magnification X40