Mesocestoides vogae Homepage
      
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Adult Parasite:
The gravid proglottid of the adult contains a
paruterine organ in which the eggs are stored.
   
From left to right: Schematic illustration and
photomicrograph of Mesocestoides scolex, Mesocestoides adult
segments.
Hosts:
- Carnivores (including dogs), birds and humans (definitive).
- Free-living mites (first intermediate).
- Amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals (2nd intermediate)
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Life Cycle:
The life cycle is not completely known. Probably an orbatid
mite or a coprophillic insect ingests the egg. A cysticercoid develops
in the arthropod. When the 2nd intermediate host (amphibians, reptiles, birds,
and mammals) ingests an infected arthropod,
the cysticercoid is digested out and develops to a tetrathyridium in the
peritoneal cavity. This larval form will multiply asexually. When the second
intermediate host is eaten by a dog or other carnivore the tetrathyridium
is digested out, the protoscolex attaches to the small intestinal wall
and the worms begin to form proglottids. Gravid proglottids, containing
the eggs, detach from the end of the worm and pass out in the feces. The
prepatent period is about 16 to 20 days. The adult worms may multiply asexually
in the definitive host's intestine. Also, the tetrathyridium, upon entering
the definitive host, may go to the peritoneal cavity and multiply asexually.
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Site in host where adult parasite
is found:
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Diagnostic Stage:
- Gross examination of the proglottid in feces.
Common Diagnostic Test
- Examination of the proglottid in feces.
Clinical Signs:
- Usually asymptomatic in the dog when infected with the
adult.
- When infected with the tetrathyridium, peritonitis and
ascites may develop.
Treatment:
For adult tapeworms:
For treatment of tetrathyridia in peritoneal cavity*:
Lavage the peritoneal cavity to remove fluid and tetrathyridia, then give:
Fenbendazole:
100 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h, for 1 or 2 months.
*(Crosbie, P.R., et al. 1998. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 213:1578-1583.)
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