Dipylidium caninum

Dipylidium caninum is a tapeworm that commonly infects dogs and cats. Transmitted by ingestion of an infected flea, D. caninum occasionally affects humans, especially children. The first cases of D. caninum in humans were noted in 1903 with several cases in Europe and one in the U.S.

Common name: Dog or cat tapeworm; double-pored dog tapeworm

Name of disease: Dipylidiasis Definite Hosts: Dogs, Cats, Humans Reservoir: unknown Vector: larva of dog fleas (Ctenocephalide species)
Transmission: Fecal-oral transmission, more specifically ingestion of vector

Infective stage: cysticercoid for F.H & egg for I.M.H.

Incubation Period: approximately 20 days

Morphology:
Dipylidium caninum is a tapeworm that is 10-70 cm in length. The four ovoidal suckers of the scolex or head of D. caninum distinguishes it as a Cyclophyllidea cestode and provided with 1-7 rows of hooklets. The proglottids of D. caninum are longer than they are wide (200) segments so called (pumpkin-seed shape). A characteristic feature of these proglottids is that they contain two sets of male and female reproductive organs. They therefore demonstrate two genital pores that lead to their name as the double-pored tapeworm. Within the gravid proglottids are egg capsule, polyconal shape. The number of eggs can range from 5 to 30. The larvae of D. caninum are known as cysticercoids because the scolex is enclosed in a fluid-filled cyst at this stage.

D. caninum egg capsule

Life Cycle

Gravid proglottids containing egg packets are passed in the feces of an infected host. The egg packets are released from the proglottids that break apart. Dog or cat fleas, normally of the species Ctenocephalides, ingest these egg packets. The fleas act as an intermediate host because the oncospheres hatch from the eggs within these fleas and develop to become infectious

larvae, cystercoid. D. caninum is transmitted by the ingestion of the flea that carries D. caninum in its infectious larval state. Inside the small intestine of the definite host, the larvae develop into adult worms. D. caninum hooks onto the intestinal lining of the small intestine with its scolex. Several worms can be within a host at one time. As hermaphrodites, D. caninum can self-mate. Proglottids break off and are passed in the feces. The proglottids can migrate from the anus to the exterior of the host where they contract and expand vigorously. This behavior may function to release the egg packets within the proglottids.

Human Infection
Clinical Presentation: - Light infections of D. caninum often are asymptomatic. - Infection, however, can still cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and anal pruritus (itch) in some individuals.

Diagnosis
Examination of stool for characteristic proglottids and eggs packets (less common).

Microscopy

Eggs Dipylidium caninum eggs are round to oval and contain an oncosphere that has 6 hooklets. Proglottids of D. caninum contain characteristic egg packets that are round to ovoid and contain 5 to 30 or more eggs .

Proglottids Dipylidium caninum proglottids have two genital pores, one in the middle of each lateral margin. Proglottids may be passed singly or in chains. They are pumpkin seed-shaped when passed and often resemble rice grains when dried.

Scolex The scolex of Dipylidium caninum is conical-shaped and has four suckers. There is also a retractable rostellum armed with several rings of small hooks.

Management and Therapy:

Praziquantel is very effective and is given in one dose of 5 to 10 mg/kg body weight. Niclosamide is an alternative, but may cause abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and nausea and vomiting in a small number of patients. Only a single dose is need at the following dosage: 2.0g for adults, 1.5g for children weighing over 34 kg, and 1.0 g for children weighing between 11-34 kg.

Epidemiology and Preventive

Distribution is worldwide. Human infections have been reported in Europe, the Phillipines, China, Japan, Argentina, and the United States. Ways to prevent infection include controlling the fleas and de-worming of pet dogs and cats. Praziquantel and Niclosamide are available as injection for pets.