Teniarinhoz

Life cycle of Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm)

and Taenia solium (pork tapeworm).

The life cycles of these two cestodes involve

alternate larval and adult stages in two
hosts: intermediate and definitive. Adult
worms attach to the intestine by means of
the scolex and absorb nutrients from the
host. A ribbonlike chain of segments called
proglottids form, each of which contains male
and female sexual organs and produce ova.
Proglottids or ova are passed in the feces
sporadically; multiple examinations may be
required for diagnosis. Intermediate hosts
(cattle, pigs) ingest the eggs and develop
larval cysts in their tissues. Cysts are eaten
by the definitive host in uncooked meat; they
mature into tape-worms in the digestive
tract. Humans may also ingest T. solium eggs,

Taenia saginata (ou)

Scoleces of Taenia saginata (Figure H) and

Taenia solium (Figures I and J).

Gravid proglottids of Taenia saginata (Figures

D and E) and Taenia solium (Figures F and G)

Taenia saginata. Gravid

proglottid.

Taenia saginata adult worm. The adult in

Figure K is 12 feet long.

Taenia saginata. Adult

tapeworm.

Taenia saginata
proglottids

Histopathologic features of Taenia

saginata in appendix.