Life Cycle, Anatomy, and Physiology of Tapeworms

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A. “Humans are hosts to nearly 300 species of parasitic worms and over 70 species

of protozoa, some derived from our primate ancestors and some acquired from the

animals we have domesticated or come in contact with during our relatively short

history on Earth”(Cox,2002).

B. I first learned about tapeworms while taking by microbiology class and I felt so shocked how easily you can be infected with this parasite.

C. So today, I am here to inform you about tapeworms so you can eliminate the

risk of obtaining tapeworms yourself.

D. I’m going to explain the anatomy and physiology of tapeworms, their

life-cycle, how they are transmitted,the symptoms, and how to treat this infection

of tapeworms.

Oriental Material

A.The classification and form of host

1.Tapeworms, name for the parasitic flatworms are classified in the phylum Platyhelminthes, class Cestoda(Tapeworm,2013,1).

2.“The curious life cycle of these gutless parasites generally involves two

hosts--an intermediate host (typically a herbivore) and a definitive or

final-stage host (typically a carnivore)”(Hickey, 2002,1).

B. Tapeworm explanation

1.Tapeworms are segments, ribbon-like flatworms that lack a digestive tract

of their own

2. They rely completely on the digestion of the host they inhibit.

3. All tapeworms are monoecious-both ovaries and testes are in one animal.

a. They don’t need another parasite to be able to reproduce.

C. Tapeworm

1.Stated by Hickey in 2002, there is an estimated 1,500 species of tapeworms, 35 of this species affect humans specifically.

2. The two types of tapeworms that I am going to focus on, is Taenia saginata and Taenia solium. Aka: T. saginata and T. solium.

3. Taenia saginata has the common na...

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...t cause brain cysts to develop(Garcia,2003,1).

2. The symptoms mimic those of a brain tumor and cause human epilepsy.

3. This infections is most prevalent in certain parts of Central America

Treatments

A. medicine

1.”When infection is known to exist, the tapeworms can be killed with

drugs that do not harm the host”(animal plant).

Conclusion

Summary

A.Tapeworms are a powerful parasite that anyone can become infected by them.

B.Through knowing the anatomy and physiology , their, life-cycle, how they are

transmitted, the symptoms, and the treatments one will be better prepared to have less chance of obtaining this parasite.

C.But the most important thing that one must do is to always cook your food well

done, wash all foods, and have a good personal hygiene by doing this you can

diminish even the slightest chances of becoming infected.

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