Are the life cycles of the different Taenia species similar?
Yes. The gravid segments of the worm pass out with the feces of the cat or dog. Often, eggs are released from the segments before they are passed. The intermediate host ingests the eggs which are immediately infective. In the intermediate host, the embryo is released in the small intestine and the immature form migrates through the body to various organs, depending on the species of Taenia. The immature form develops a small fluid-filled sac, called a bladder, which surrounds it and provides nourishment. When the ‘bladder’ is ingested by the definitive host, the head of the tapeworm is released, attaches itself to the intestinal wall, grows and segments. Cats and dogs may remain infected for a year or more, and the tapeworms can grow to be over 6 feet long. What are the signs and symptoms of Taenia infection? Even in severe infections, there is little evidence of infection other than pruritus around the anal area and finding the segments attached to the animal’s fur. Rarely, intestinal
