Dipylidiasis

Aka: Dipylidiasis, Dog Tapeworm, Dipylidium Caninum

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II. Epidemiology

  1. Occasionally seen in toddlers

III. Pathophysiology

  1. Dog Tapeworm (Dipylidium Caninum, may also occur in cats)
    1. Tapeworms (Cestodes) are Flatworms and lack their own intestinal tract
      1. Must obtain digested molecules from their environment (in this case from intestinal tract)
    2. Tapeworms are hermaphrodites, having both male and female organs within the same worm
      1. Single worm can produce fertilized eggs
    3. Tapeworms (Cestodes) are long and flat
      1. Tapeworms are composed in a chain of proglotitids (box-like segments)
      2. Tapeworm head (scolex) contains suckers, and for some species hooks
        1. Tapeworm larvae attach to the intestinal mucosa via suckers, and mature to adult worms
  2. Transmission
    1. Tapeworm carried by fleas
    2. Dogs and cats swallow adult fleas and acquire Tapeworm
    3. Child accidentally swallows flea while playing with pet

IV. Symptoms

  1. Usually asymptomatic

V. Signs

  1. Motile worm segments (proglottids) on stool or perianal
    1. Appear as cucumber seeds when fresh
    2. Appear as rice grains when dry

VI. Management

  1. Praziquantel (Biltricide) 5-10 mg/kg for 1 dose

VII. Prevention

  1. Flea control
  2. Regular worming of pets

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