GROUP FOUR
• WEGOSASA EVERLYN VU-BPC-2307-0432-DAY
• KUTEGANA SEMUTEWO VU-BPC-2307-0245-DAY
• MAWANDA ROBERT VU-BPC-2307-0982-DAY
HYMENOLEPIS DIMINUTA([Link])
-Hymenolepis diminuta, also known as the rat
tapeworm, is a worldwide parasite of rodents that
can occasionally infect humans, especially children.
-Its life cycle involves a two-host system: rodents are
the definitive host, and insects (like beetles,Fleas)
are the intermediate hosts.
-Belongs to Hymenolepididae family.
Insect intermediate hosts
Beetle, Flea cockroaches.
Hymenolepididae family
TAXONOMY
kingdom: Animalia.
Phylum: Platyhelminthes.
Class: Cestoda.
Order: Cyclophyllidea.
Family :Hymenolepididae.
Genus :Hymenolepis
Global Distribution:
-H. diminuta is widely distributed worldwide, with rodents, especially
rats and mice, being the primary hosts.
-Human infections are less common, but have been reported in
various regions
in Asia, Europe, America, Africa and Australia.
Factors influencing distribution .
-Rodent population (primary definitive hosts.
-Intermediate hosts (Beetles ,Fleas and other arthropods.
-Human exposure ,accidental ingestion of insects in contaminated
food like cereals or dried fruits.
Life Cycle:
The life cycle involves an indirect route with two hosts:
-Intermediate Host: Arthropods mainly grain eating insects
( beetles, fleas, and cockroaches) ingest [Link] eggs.
Within the arthropod, the eggs hatch into oncospheres, and the released
oncospheres develop into cysticercoids.
-Definitive Host: Rodents (rats) become infected by ingesting the
arthropods carrying the cysticercoids. In the rodent's intestine, the
cysticercoids mature into adult worms, and the adult worms produce
eggs, which are then excreted in the feces, completing the cycle.
-Human Infection: Humans can become infected by accidentally
ingesting arthropods (e.g., in precooked cereals) or directly from the
environment, like children exploring their surroundings.
-Eggs of Hymenolepis diminuta are passed out in the feces of the
infected definitive host (rodents, man) .
- The mature eggs are ingested by an intermediate host (various
arthropod adults or larvae) .
- oncospheres are released from the eggs and penetrate the
intestinal wall of the host ,then develop into cysticercoid larvae.
- The cysticercoid larvae persist through the arthropod’s to
adulthood.
-H. diminuta infection is acquired by the mammalian host after
ingestion of an intermediate host carrying the cysticercoid larvae .
- Humans can be accidentally infected by ingestion of insects in
precooked cereals, or other food items, and directly from the
environment (e.g., oral exploration of the environment by
children). After ingestion, the tissue of the infected arthropod is
digested releasing the cysticercoid larvae in the stomach and
small intestine.
- after the cysticercoid larvae are released. Using the four suckers
on the scolex, the parasite attaches to the small intestine wall.
- Eggs are released in the small intestine from gravid
proglottids ,that disintegrate after breaking off from the adult
worms.
Morphological Characteristics:
-Length and width. The adult H. diminuta worm reaches up to 20-60
cm in length, and is 3-4 mm wide.
The worm has a scolex for (attachment of organ), a neck, and a strobila
(series of proglottids).
-Scolex: Has four unarmed suckers for attachment to the intestinal
wall.
-Eggs: Are round to oval, 60-85 micrometers in diameter with a
striated outer membrane and a thin inner membrane.
- The space between the membranes is smooth or faintly granular.
- The oncosphere has six hooks.
- no polar filaments extending into the space between the oncosphere
and the outer shell.
Adult [Link]
Egg of H. diminuta in a wet mount
stained with iodine. Four of the
hooks are visible at this level of
focus.
Disease Mechanisms and Clinical Outcomes:
Disease Mechanisms.
-H. diminuta infection primarily affects the small intestine.
-The adult worms attach to the intestinal wall, where they feed on the host's
nutrients.
Clinical Outcomes:
H. diminuta infections are often asymptomatic in humans.
But symptoms like,
-Abdominal discomfort.
- Diarrhea.
- Weight loss.
severe symptoms, such as anemia, can occur, particularly in children.
Children:
-Children are more likely to be infected due to increased exposure to
environmental contaminants and potential contact with intermediate hosts.
Diagnosis:
-H. diminuta infections are diagnosed by microscopic
examination of stool samples to identify the eggs or proglottids.
-Stool samples should be collected and examined in a laboratory.
Identification:
-The eggs are distinguished from other cestode eggs by their
round shape, size, and lack of polar filaments.
Treatment:
- praziquantel (tablet form 600mg),taken with food.
- niclosamide(tablet 500mg) taken with food.
- Albendazole (Tablet and syrup).
note
-A stool sample should be repeated one month after therapy is
completed to verify cure.
Control and Preventive measures
-Good hygiene.
Good hygiene practices, including handwashing, are essential
for preventing infection.
-Rodent Control:
Controlling rodent populations is crucial, as they are the
definitive hosts and reservoirs of H. diminuta.
-Avoiding Contact with Arthropods:
Avoiding contact with potentially infected arthropods, such as
those in food or precooked cereals, can help prevent infection.
--Environmental Sanitation:
Maintaining a clean environment and proper disposal of waste
can help reduce the risk of infection.
-A well balanced diet to promote resistance to infection.
-Public health and sanitation programs.
References,
[Link],
(1982),helminth,Arthropods and protozoa
of domesticated animals.
[Link],[Link],[Link],
(2004),textbook of veterinary
parasitology,Kalyani publisher.
[Link].
