Chart: 6 zoonoses you should know-Tapeworm infection

Common disease name

Tapeworm infection

(Tapeworms are worms with a dorsoventrally flattened, ribbonlike appearance.)

Scientific name

Dogs:Dipylidium caninum, Taenia crassiceps, Taenia hydatigena, Taenia multiceps, Taenia pisiformis, Taenia serialis, Echinococcus granulosus, Echinococcus multilocularis (relatively uncommon in dogs/zoonotic)

Cats:Dipylidium caninum, Taenia taeniaeformis, Echinococcus multilocularis

Method of infection

Dogs and cats: Ingestion of tissues of intermediate host (rabbits or rodents); ingestion of infected adult flea (Dipylidium caninum)

People: Ingestion of infected flea or tissues of intermediate host

Signs

Dogs and cats: Anal discomfort and itching that often results in pets dragging their hind ends across the floor

People: Most are asymptomatic, but diarrhea, abdominal pain, and anal pruritus are possible

Treatment

Praziquantel, epsiprantel, fenbendazole (dogs)

People most at risk

Children under the age of 8 years

Prevention

• Stringent adherence to controlling fleas and lice.

• Routine monthly deworming with praziquantel may be indicated for areas endemic to infections with Echinococcus species.