Cestodes are flat, segmented Worms that can live in the intestines of their hosts, and they can grow to great lengths.
Common Cestode Infections:
-
Taenia solium (Pork tapeworm):
- Disease: Taeniasis, cysticercosis
- Transmission: Ingestion of undercooked pork containing cysts, or ingestion of tapeworm eggs from contaminated food or water.
- Symptoms: Abdominal discomfort, weight loss, and in the case of cysticercosis, neurological symptoms if larvae invade tissues.
-
Taenia saginata (Beef tapeworm):
- Disease: Taeniasis
- Transmission: Ingestion of undercooked beef containing cysts.
- Symptoms: Abdominal pain, nausea, and possible weight loss.
-
Diphyllobothrium latum (Fish tapeworm):
- Disease: Diphyllobothriasis
- Transmission: Ingestion of undercooked freshwater fish.
- Symptoms: Abdominal discomfort, weight loss, and possibly B12 deficiency leading to anemia.
-
Echinococcus is a cestode (tapeworm) from the Taeniidae family. It is a parasitic flatworm that causes echinococcosis (hydatid disease) in humans