Diphyllobothrium latum

Physiology and Structure:

It is one of the largest tapeworms which can measure up to 20 to 30 feet long. It has a complex life cycle that involves two immediate hosts: freshwater crustaceans and freshwater fish.

The ribbon-like larval worm in the flesh of freshwater fish is called sparganum. Ingestion of this sparhanum in raw or insufficient cooked fish initiates infection. The scolex(head) is shaped like a lance and has long, lateral grooves (bothria) that serves as attachment.

 

Diphyllobothrium latum OVUM by velezcollege_bsmt.Diphyllobothrium latum

https://www.flickr.com/photos/25196375@N08/2371534286/

 

This is the egg of D. Latum which is different from other tapeworm’s egg. The adult worms may take months or even years to produce millions of egg.

 

Clinical Syndromes:

Most D. Latum infections are asymptomatic. Occasionally, people complain epigastirc pain, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomitting and weight loss. 40% of D. Latum have low serum levels of vitamin B12 due to the competition between host and worm for daily dietary vitamin B12. Statistics show that a small percentage of people infected with D. Latum are infected with vitamin B12 deficiency. Other symptoms such as numbness, loss of vibration sense, paresthesia.

 

Treatment, Prevention and Control:

Vitamin B12 supplementation might be necessary in people with evidence of clinical vitamin B12 deficiency. Refrain thorough cooked fish, proper treatment and disposal of human feces and immediate treatment of infections to reduce the prevalence of this infection.

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Parasite is defined as an organism that derives its nutrients from another living organism, the host. Parasitic diseases are usually referred to those caused by protozoa, helminths and arthropods which love at the expense of their host. Successful parasites are the ones who are able to maintain their own life processes without killing their host.

Several ways to distinguish parasites infection and bacteria/viruses infection:

  1. Parasites have a complex life cycle that involves the formation of resistant cyst in the organism. (it can usually survive for long periods outside the host.)
  2. Life cycle might involve an insect vector (carrier) that is important for the transmission of disease. In most cases, it is impossible to eliminate the vector effectively.
  3. Some parasites are capable of infecting both humans and animals, thus both can act as reservoirs for the infection. This is true for most protozal infections carried by insects.
  4. Many parasites has life cycle that requires enough time to allow for the various stages to mature, either in soil or in an insect or host.