Dipylidiasis is a common tapeworm infection, primarily affecting dogs and cats, but can also occur in humans. Dipylidium caninum is the causative agent.
Understanding Dipylidiasis
Here's a breakdown of key aspects of dipylidiasis:
- Causative Agent: The tapeworm Dipylidium caninum.
- Hosts: Primarily dogs and cats, but humans can also be infected.
- History: First described in humans in 1758 by Linnaeus.
- Distribution: Worldwide.
How Humans Get Dipylidiasis
Humans contract dipylidiasis through the accidental ingestion of infected fleas. These fleas contain the larval stage (cysticercoids) of D. caninum.
- Transmission: Ingestion of fleas containing D. caninum cysticercoids.
Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Disease | Dipylidiasis |
| Cause | Dipylidium caninum tapeworm |
| Primary Hosts | Dogs and Cats |
| Human Infection | Accidental ingestion of infected fleas containing D. caninum larva (cysticercoids) |
| Distribution | Worldwide |
