(5) Special problems of T. solium. The adult parasite can be eliminated by
the use of drugs. T. solium, which is rare in the United States and Canada, presents a
special problem, in that the eggs may be passed from person to person by means of
contact with contaminated feces.
When the eggs are ingested, they hatch in the intestines, and the
larval forms (cysticerci) develop in the subcutaneous tissues, striated muscles, and
other parts of the body.
When cysticerci develop in the eye, heart, or brain, the results are
quite serious, frequently resulting in death.
(6) Treatment. There is no specific treatment for cysticercosis, but surgery
may sometimes be employed to remove the cysts.
(7) Control measures. The control measures for prevention of tapeworms
consist in:
Thorough cooking of all suspect meat before consumption
Prevention of the contamination of soil and vegetation by the feces of
infected humans
2-10. FLUKE INFESTATIONS
a. Identification. Flukes (trematodes) are parasites of the class Trematoda
which are pathogenic to various animals, including man. Clinically, the flukes may be
classified into four groups:
Intestinal flukes
Liver flukes
Lung flukes
Blood flukes
The blood flukes are not acquired essentially through food and drinking water, although,
they may occasionally be contracted by this means. Therefore, they will be discussed
separately.
b. Life Cycle. (See Figure 2-4.) The flukes are characterized by a complicated
life cycle involving several forms and requiring (usually) two intermediate hosts.
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