Major Cestode Infections
Hany M. Elsheikha
from: Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology (Edited by: Hany M. Elsheikha and Naveed Ahmed Khan). Caister Academic Press, U.K. (2011)
Abstract
Cestoda is a class of parasitic flatworms (Platyhelminthes), commonly called tapeworms or cestodes. All tapeworms use vertebrates as a definitive host, and vertebrates or invertebrates (arthropods, crustaceans) as an intermediate host, depending on the species. The definitive host harbors the adult, sexual, or mature stages of parasite. Larval 'metacestode' development occurs in the intermediate host (I.H.), which will be eaten by definitive host. In the latter, larval stages attach to the gut mucosa and mature to adult tapeworms via a process called 'strobilation'. Most tapeworms are found in the small intestine of their host as adults or, with Thysanosoma spp., have access to the intestine read more ...
