Taenia saginata

Definition

Taenia saginata, also known as the beef tapeworm, is a parasitic helminth that infects humans through ingestion of undercooked or raw beef containing larval cysts. It primarily resides in the human small intestine and can cause taeniasis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Taenia saginata's definitive host is humans, while cattle serve as the intermediate host.
2. Infection occurs through consumption of undercooked or raw beef contaminated with cysticerci.
3. Adult worms can grow up to 10 meters in length within the human intestine.
4. Symptoms of taeniasis include abdominal pain, digestive disturbances, and weight loss.
5. Diagnosis is typically made by identifying eggs or proglottids in stool samples.

Review Questions

• What are the definitive and intermediate hosts for Taenia saginata?
• How does a person become infected with Taenia saginata?
• What are common symptoms associated with taeniasis caused by Taenia saginata?

Related terms

Cysticercus: The larval stage of Taenia species found in intermediate hosts.

Proglottids: Segmented parts of a tapeworm containing reproductive organs.

Taeniasis:

The infection caused by adult tapeworms in the intestines.