Hymenolepis
nana, The Dwarf Tapeworm
The
Hymenolepis nana is also known as the Dwarf Tapeworm.
There are 400 species of Hymenolepis. It is the Hymenolepis
nana that is known as the Human Tapeworm. Beetles and
fleas are the intermediate hosts (the tapeworm does
not always need this host), and humans are both the
primary and definitive hosts and can reinfect themselves.
Once the eggs are ingested they hatch, go through their
larval stage in the small intestine, and then move into
the tissue in the gut and grow to adulthood. Hymenolepis
nana infestations are prevalent in highly populated
areas where hygiene and sanitary conditions are poor.
Symptoms of the Hymenolepis nana are: anorexia, abdominal
pain, and diarrhea, however, symptoms often go unnoticed.
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