Dipylidium caninum is a tapeworm that can cause intestinal infection in humans, which is typically asymptomatic. D. caninum, the double-pored tapeworm, is present in dogs and cats. Fleas are the intermediate host.
What is Dipylidium caninum in dogs?
Causal Agent Dipylidium caninum is a common tapeworm of dogs and cats, but is occasionally found in humans. It has many common names including the “flea tapeworm”, “cucumber tapeworm”, and “double-pored tapeworm”.
What are the hosts of Dipylidium caninum?
Canids and felids are the normal hosts for Dipylidium caninum. The intermediate host is usually the larval stages of the dog or cat flea (Ctenocephalides spp.) and occasionally Trichodectes canis (the dog louse).
What are the stages of Dipylidium caninum infection?
Stages 1 Dipylidium caninum egg packets are found within proglottids and usually contain clusters of 25-30 eggs and are 120-200µm in length. ... 2 Proglottids are shed in the feces of an infected dog or cat. ... 3 After ingestion by a flea or louse, the embryo develops into a cysticercoid, the metacestode stage. More items...
Can nitazoxanide be used to treat Dipylidium caninum?
Dipylidium caninum infections that are apparently refractory to praziquantel or epsiprantel treatment have been occasionally observed; in these patients, off-label use of nitazoxanide (100 mg/kg) may prove helpful. For dogs, praziquantel is formulated with some heartworm preventives to provide broad-spectrum internal parasite control.
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What is the disease caused by Dipylidium caninum?
Causal Agent. Dipylidium caninum is a common tapeworm of dogs and cats, but is occasionally found in humans. It has many common names including the “flea tapeworm”, “cucumber tapeworm”, and “double-pored tapeworm”.
How does Dipylidium caninum affect humans?
The patients with dipylidiasis are often asymptomatic but symptoms, such as anal pruritus, diarrhea, mild abdominal pain (usually epigastric pain), decrease in appetite, indigestion, and gastrointestinal tract disturbances, may be seen [8,9].
Why is it important to treat Dipylidium caninum?
Dipylidium caninum typically do not cause significant disease in dogs and cats, but because they are aesthetically unpleasant and may pose a zoonotic health risk, treatment is warranted. There have been reports of young puppies having intestinal impaction from massive Dipylidium caninum infections.
Is Dipylidium caninum contagious to humans?
Yes; however, the risk of infection with this tapeworm in humans is very low. For a person to become infected with Dipylidium, he or she must accidentally swallow an infected flea. Most reported cases involve children. The most effective way to prevent infections in pets and humans is through flea control.
How is Dipylidium Caninum treated in humans?
Treatment. Praziquantel, adults, 5-10 mg/kg orally in a single-dose therapy. Praziquantel is not approved for treatment of children less than 4 years old but this drug has been used successfully to treat cases of D. caninum infection in children as young as 6 months.
What do tapeworms do to humans?
In rare cases, tapeworm segments become lodged in the appendix, or the bile and pancreatic ducts. Infection with T. solium tapeworms can result in human cysticercosis, which can be a very serious disease that can cause seizures and muscle or eye damage. Taenia saginata does not cause cysticercosis in humans.
What poop looks like when you have worms?
Sighting a worm Sometimes the worms are visible in the anal area, underwear, or in the toilet. In stools, the worms look like small pieces of white cotton thread.
Can you see tapeworms in your poop?
Kids with a tapeworm infection may feel a piece of the worm coming out through the anus (where the poop comes out). You may even see a piece of worm in the poop. A tapeworm that's in the intestines for a long time can get big and block the appendix or other organs, leading to appendicitis and other problems.
What are the symptoms of a tapeworm in humans?
SymptomsNausea.Weakness.Loss of appetite.Abdominal pain.Diarrhea.Dizziness.Salt craving.Weight loss and inadequate absorption of nutrients from food.
Can I get tapeworm from my dog licking me?
Dipylidium caninum is known to be the most common tapeworm and is found in both dogs and cats. This type of tapeworm can be passed on when an infected pet licks you, or a flea carrying tapeworm larvae is accidentally swallowed by your dog. Echinococcus multilocularis is another type of tapeworm which can infect humans.
Can you get tapeworms from kissing your cat?
The most common tapeworm is called Dipylidium caninum. These are easy-to-treat tapeworms in cats, and they are not contagious to humans.
How do I clean my house after tapeworms?
How to Clean Your House After TapewormsStep 1: Gather Supplies.Step 2: Vacuum All Carpets and Rugs.Step 3: Wash All Floors.Step 4: Use a Steam Cleaner on Upholstery and Curtains.Step 5: Disinfect All Surfaces.Step 6: Launder All Linens and Bedding.Step 7: Take a Shower.
What are the symptoms of Dipylidium?
Most Dipylidium infections are asymptomatic and self-limited, though abdominal pain, restlessness, and agitation can occur. The most notable sign is the presence of proglottids in the stool, diapers, or on the perineum.
Why Dipylidiasis is a common infection among children?
Dipylidiasis is a zoonotic parasitic infection caused by Dipilydium caninum, a common intestinal tapeworm of dogs and cats. Humans may be accidental hosts when the cysticercoid larva is ingested, mainly infants and young children due to their playing habits and their proximity with dogs and cats.
How do humans get tapeworms?
Tapeworm infection is caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with tapeworm eggs or larvae. If you ingest certain tapeworm eggs, they can migrate outside your intestines and form larval cysts in body tissues and organs (invasive infection).
What is the infective stage of Dipylidium caninum?
Dipylidium caninum, known as the double-pored dog tapeworm, is a parasite that commonly infects dogs and cats worldwide. Humans may be an accidental host if the infective stage, the cysticercoid larva, is ingested. Although rare, it is more commonly seen in infants and children.
What is a dipylidium?
minus. Related Pages. Dipylidium is tapeworm of cats and dogs. People become infected when they accidentally swallow a flea infected with tapeworm larvae; most reported cases involve children. Dipylidium infection is easily treated in humans and animals. Image: Left: D. caninum egg packet, containing 8 visible eggs, in a wet mount.
How many eggs are in a D. caninum egg packet?
Image: Left: D. caninum egg packet, containing 8 visible eggs, in a wet mount. Right: Adult tapeworm of D. caninum. The scolex of the worm is very narrow and the proglottids, as they mature, get larger. (Credit: DPDx) clipboard icon. About Dipylidium. Most common questions answered... lab icon. Biology.
How old is too old to get dipylidium?
Most infections occur in children younger than 8 years old as well as infants younger than 6 months of age. 40–44 The ova of Dipylidium are ingested by the larval dog or cat flea, in which they become cysticercoid larvae. Infection occurs following accidental ingestion of the infected flea.
How do tapeworms get into dogs?
Infection is transmitted to dogs (or cats) by ingesting fleas or body lice (Trichodectes spp .) that are infected with the larval cysticercoid stage of the tapeworm . More than 20–30 tapeworms of different lengths may reside in the dog small intestine with each worm containing 60–175 proglottids. Egg packets can be expelled by the contraction of the proglottid or by disintegration of the proglottids in the perianal region. Each onchosphere has six hooklets [55, 56].
What is a double pore tapeworm?
The double-pored tapeworm ( Dipylidium caninum) normally develops as an adult parasite in the intestines of dogs, cats, and some wild carnivores. The most important intermediate flea hosts are the cat flea and dog flea, although the human flea can also serve in this capacity. In tropical Africa, a warthog flea ( E. larina) is sometimes responsible for D. caninum infestations in domestic dogs. Infestations are usually initiated when animals consume parasitized fleas while grooming.
What is the best treatment for a dog with anthelmintics?
Praziquantel and niclosamide are effective treatments. Regular treatment of pet dogs or cats with anthelmintics and antiflea collars is preventive [58].
Can dogs get tapeworms?
Dipylidium caninum is the most common cestode of domestic dogs. It can also infect cats. It is a small-to-medium-sized (10–50 cm) tapeworm, pink in color, with double-pored, barrel-shaped segments [59]. It can infect humans when a person accidentally swallows an infected flea ( Ctenocephalides canis or Ctenocephalide felis) [54].
Is tapeworm a parasite?
The dog tapeworm, Dipylidium caninum, is also a frequent parasite of cats and wild carnivores worldwide. It is an occasional parasite of the small intestine of humans.
Can Dipylidium caninum be found in humans?
Although Dipylidium caninum infects mainly dogs and cats, it is occasionally found in humans. Although most of these infections are asymptomatic, the most striking feature in animals and children consists of the passage of proglottids. These can be found in the perianal region and in the feces. The proglottids are motile when freshly passed and may be mistaken for maggots or fly larvae.
What is the body of Dipylidium caninum?
Each segment contains two proglottids. A proglottid is one set of reproductive organs. Dipylidium caninum is often identified by examing segments passed in feces.
How to identify dipylidium caninum?
Dipylidium caninum is often identified by examing segments passed in feces. Dipylidium caninum has two genital pores located laterally on each segment, with two proglottids per segment. Segments are often described as resembling cucumber seeds, and are quite active when seen outside their hosts in fecal material.
What is a dog tapeworm?
Behavior. Dipylidium caninum, known as the dog tapeworm, is a parasite of dogs, and sometimes cats and humans. Human infections occur most commonly in children. Its life cycle requires the use of two hosts, a flea and a vertebrate.
Where does Dipylidium caninum attach to?
Dipylidium caninum attaches itself to the intestinal lumen of its definitive host (dogs, cats, or sometimes humans) as an adult. Its hooked scolex is specialized to hold it in place in the intestine. Dipylidium caninum, and all cestodes lack digestive tracts.
Can D caninum be asymptomatic?
Infection with D. caninum is often asymptomatic in humans, though there are some reports of abdominal pain, diarrhea, irritability, and anal pruritis (Reddy, 1982). There is no discussion of pathogenicity in the dog or cat hosts, however Chappell states that infections in humans are usually limited to one worm.
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Disclaimer: The Animal Diversity Web is an educational resource written largely by and for college students. ADW doesn't cover all species in the world, nor does it include all the latest scientific information about organisms we describe. Though we edit our accounts for accuracy, we cannot guarantee all information in those accounts. While ADW staff and contributors provide references to books and websites that we believe are reputable, we cannot necessarily endorse the contents of references beyond our control.
Is Dipylidium caninum a flea?
Dipylidium caninum is a world-wide parasite of dogs and cats that requires a flea intermediate host to develop. Therefore its range is dependent upon the availability of both flea and vertebrate hosts, as well as the ability to survive outside of the host until ingested by a flea. ( Roberts and Janovy, 1996)
What is the name of the tapeworm that can cause intestinal infection in humans?
Dipylidium caninum. Infection. Dipylidium caninum is a tapeworm that can cause intestinal infection in humans, which is typically asymptomatic. D. caninum, the double-pored tapeworm, is present in dogs and cats. Fleas are the intermediate host.
Is D. caninum a tapeworm?
D. caninum, the double-pored tapeworm, is present in dogs and cats. Fleas are the intermediate host. Ingestion of an infected flea, usually by a young child, causes an asymptomatic, self-limited infection, but proglottids (tapeworm segments) may be seen in stool.
Is tapeworm a dog's host?
D. caninum, the double-pored tapeworm, is present in dogs and cats. Fleas are the intermediate host . Ingestion of an infected flea, usually by a young child, causes an asymptomatic, self-limited infection, but proglottids (tapeworm segments) may be seen in stool.
What worms cause filariasis?
These nematodes (roundworms), which inhabit the lymphatics and subcutaneous tissues, produce filariasis. Eight main species are responsible for infection in humans. Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi cause lymphatic filariasis, and Onchocerca volvulus causes onchocerciasis or river blindness.
How long does it take for a microfilariae to develop?
Inside the insect, the microfilariae develop in 6 to 12 days into infective filariform larvae. The larvae can then infect a vertebrate host during a subsequent blood meal by the biting insect. These larvae then migrate within the host's body, where they slowly develop into adults. View chapter Purchase book.
What type of tapeworms infest mice?
Two species of tapeworms that typically infest rats and mice as adults are the rodent tapeworm ( Hymenolepis diminuta) and the dwarf tapeworm ( H. nana).
Does Epsiprantel work against echinococcus?
High levels of activity against mature infections of Echinococcus spp have been reported, but this use has not been approved.
How to prevent tapeworms in dogs?
The best way to avoid a tapeworm infestation is to keep your dog free of flea infestation. The surrounding environment must also be treated to prevent recurring infestations. The CDC recommends these steps to reduce the likelihood of tapeworm infestation:
How do dogs get tapeworms?
There is a cycle through which dogs get tapeworms: 1 First, the dog will ingest a host that is harboring tapeworm eggs, most often an adult flea. There are a few ways a dog might ingest a flea, such as self-grooming, or grooming a canine or feline housemate. Other animals that are potential transmitters of eggs include birds, rabbits, or rodents, which even a well-fed dog might scavenge for. 2 Once digested, the tapeworm eggs settle into your dog’s small intestine. There it will develop into an adult. 3 The adult tapeworm is made up of lots of small segments, each about the size of a grain of rice, called proglottids. Adult tapeworms usually measure anywhere from four to 28 inches in length. 4 As the tapeworm matures inside the dog’s gut, these segments break off and end up in the dog’s stool. Since these segments contain tapeworm eggs, the cycle will begin again, with a new host and most likely a new recipient.
What are Tapeworms?
Tapeworms are an intestinal parasite. Along with roundworm , hookworm, and whipworm, this flat, segmented worm is found in dogs, cats, humans, and many other species around the world. The most common tapeworm species is Dipylidium Caninum. The medical term for a tapeworm infestation is Cestodiasis.
How to tell if my dog has worms?
This is due to the irritation the segments are causing his skin. You may see your dog licking or biting at the area.
What happens when a dog has a tapeworm?
As the tapeworm matures inside the dog’s gut, these segments break off and end up in the dog’s stool. Since these segments contain tapeworm eggs, the cycle will begin again, with a new host and most likely a new recipient. Courtesy ProLabs.
How to dispose of dog feces?
Bury the feces, or place it in a plastic bag and dispose of it in the trash. Do not allow children to play in areas that are soiled with pet- or other animal feces. Teach children to always wash their hands after playing with dogs and cats, and after playing outdoors. Keep the dog away from dead animals and garbage.
Where are proglottids found in dogs?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the proglottid segments can sometimes be seen crawl ing near the anus or on the surface of fresh waste. These eggs are released into the environment when the proglottid dries out. The dried proglottids can sometimes be seen stuck to your dog’s fur.
How to tell if a dog has dipylidium caninum?
Dipylidium caninum infections are diagnosed when your veterinarian finds fresh white proglottids shaped like cucumber seeds in a pet’s stool or on the coat near the anus. You may also find proglottids on your pet, in its stool or in its bedding. Fresh proglottids can crawl about slowly. Dried proglottids may also be found on a pet’s coat, in the pet’s bedding or on carpets and floors. Tapeworm eggs may be found in stool samples. But animals may have D. caninum infections and still have no eggs in their stools.
What to feed a dog with D caninum?
Optimal nutrition should provide for a pet’s needs during each stage of its life. Optimal nutrition should also reduce the health risks associated with feeding excess sodium, phosphorus, calcium, protein and fat. Foods that avoid these harmful excesses and provide proper nutrition for each life stage include Hill’s® Science Diet® brand pet foods.
Can dogs get tapeworms?
Your pet has Dipylidium caninum tapeworms. These tapeworms are common parasites found in the small intestines of dogs and cats. Dewormers are highly effective against D. caninum tapeworms, but reinfection will occur unless fleas, which participate in the tapeworm life cycle, are also controlled. This client education sheet will help you learn more about these tapeworms and will review your veterinarian’s instructions for your pet’s care at home, as well as follow-up with the veterinary health care team.
Where is Dipylidium caninum found?
Site of Infection and Pathogenesis. Adult Dipylidium caninum are found in the small intestine. Motile proglottids may be seen in the perianal region as they exit the animal, in the pet’s environment (e.g., on bedding), or in the fecal material itself.
What is the best treatment for dipylidium caninum?
Praziquantel and epsiprantel are considered the treatments of choice and are highly effective against Dipylidium caninum. Praziquantel is approved at 5mg/kg orally or subcunateously for elimination of Dipylidium caninum (dogs and cats).
How many eggs are in a Dipylidium caninum egg packet?
Dipylidium caninum egg packets are found within proglottids and usually contain clusters of 25-30 eggs and are 120-200µm in length. Each individual egg is 35-60µm in diameter and contains a hexacanth embryo.
When do dogs shed proglottids?
Prepatent Period and Environmental Factors. Dogs and cats may begin shedding proglottids as soon as 2 to 3 weeks following infection. In the absence of appropriate intermediate hosts, the life cycle cannot continue. Site of Infection and Pathogenesis. Adult Dipylidium caninum are found in the small intestine.
Can dogs get dipylidium caninum?
Dipylidium caninum typically do not cause significant disease in dogs and cats, but because they are aesthetically unpleasant and may pose a zoonotic health risk, treatment is warranted. There have been reports of young puppies having intestinal impaction from massive Dipylidium caninum infections.
Does Dipylidium caninum have a life cycle?
Overview of Life Cycle. Dipylidium caninum has an indirect life cycle that requires fleas or lice as intermediate hosts. Dogs and cats infected with Dipylidium caninum shed egg-laden proglottids in their feces. These eggs are consumed by a flea larvae (or rarely, immature lice), and develop into a compact structure referred to as a cysticercoid.
Can dipylidium caninum be harmful to dogs?
Dipylidium caninum typically do not cause significant disease in dogs and cats, but because they are aesthetically unpleasant and may pose a zoonotic health risk, treatment is warranted.
