Tapeworms and their Impact on Human Health

This set of flashcards covers crucial vocabulary related to tapeworms, their life cycles, infections, and treatments as discussed in the lecture.

Intestinal Tapeworms

Adult tapeworms such as Taenia solium and Taenia saginata that reside in the human intestines.

Extraintestinal Tapeworms

Larval tapeworms that can be highly pathogenic to humans, such as Echinococcus spp.

Diphyllobothrium latum

The Broad Fish Tapeworm, known for its large size and complex life cycle involving multiple hosts.

Cysticercosis

A tissue infection caused by the larval form of Taenia solium (cysticercus) developing in various body organs.

Hymenolepis nana

The Dwarf Tapeworm, the most common tapeworm in humans, which can develop without an intermediate host.

Taeniasis

Infection with adult tapeworms from the genus Taenia, transmitted through the ingestion of raw or undercooked meat.

Proglottid

A segment of a tapeworm that contains reproductive structures and can detach to release eggs.

Praziquantel

An anthelmintic medication used for the treatment of various types of tapeworm infections.

Hydatid Cysts

Fluid-filled cysts caused by larval stages of Echinococcus spp. that can develop in humans.

Echinococcus granulosus

The species of tapeworm that causes hydatid disease in humans, primarily transmitted through contact with infected dogs.