Taenia

Definition

Taenia is a genus of parasitic tapeworms that infect the gastrointestinal tract of humans and other animals. These helminths cause taeniasis, which can lead to various digestive and systemic symptoms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Taenia solium (pork tapeworm) and Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm) are the most common species infecting humans.
2. Humans acquire taeniasis by consuming undercooked or raw meat containing cysticerci.
3. The adult tapeworm lives in the intestines, where it can grow several meters long and produce eggs that are passed in feces.
4. Diagnosis typically involves finding Taenia eggs or proglottids in stool samples.
5. Treatment usually includes antiparasitic medications such as praziquantel or albendazole.

Review Questions

• What are the two primary species of Taenia that infect humans?
• How do humans typically contract taeniasis?
• What is the standard method for diagnosing a Taenia infection?

Related terms

Cysticercosis: A condition caused by ingestion of Taenia solium eggs leading to larval cysts in tissues.

Praziquantel: An antiparasitic medication used to treat infections caused by helminths including Taenia.

Proglottid: A segment of a tapeworm containing reproductive organs, capable of producing eggs.