Studies on Spirometra theileri (Baer, 1925) n. comb. 1. Identification and biology in the laboratory

Abstract

The tapeworm Spirometra theileri (Baer, 1925) n. comb., obtained as pleroccrcoids from a wart hog in Tanzania, has been maintained in the laboratory; adults in dogs, and larval stages in Cyclops and then rodents. The species differs physiologically and biologically from those described from other parts of the world in the cyclical production of eggs in dogs, inability of the procercoids to infect amphibia or reptiles, and the lack of any parasite-induced weight gain in mice, rats or hamsters.

Identity of Spirometra theileri from a Leopard (Panthera pardus) and Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta) in Tanzania

“…Since then, Opuni and Muller (1974) reported on S. theileri adult tapeworms recovered from dogs that were fed plerocercoids obtained from a wart hog in Tanzania. The morphology of S. theileri that has been described included the following features: mature proglottids measured 8 to 12 mm in width with a spirally coiled uterus of 4 to 7 loops, the final centrally placed loops were much larger than the others and were constricted and hemispherical in shape [12].…”

“…Since then, Opuni and Muller (1974) reported on S. theileri adult tapeworms recovered from dogs that were fed plerocercoids obtained from a wart hog in Tanzania. The morphology of S. theileri that has been described included the following features: mature proglottids measured 8 to 12 mm in width with a spirally coiled uterus of 4 to 7 loops, the final centrally placed loops were much larger than the others and were constricted and hemispherical in shape [12]. Graber (1981) described this species in detail as possessing the following characteristics: mature or gravid proglottids measured 2.5-3.5 mm, the segments were wider than they were long and measured 0.24-0.36 mm in length in the anterior part and 2.5-3.5× 1.2-1.3 mm in the middle and posterior part, with the last segment being a little narrow (2.4× 1.95 mm), the scolex measured 0.6 × 0.18 mm and was elongated with a spoon-like shape, and the mean size of the eggs was 49× 32.1 µm [28].…”

“…Host susceptibility of African Spirometra species was reported from experimentally infected dogs and cat. They were able to infect dogs but not cats with spargana recovered from wart hogs in Tanzania [12]. They were also unable to infect various amphibians and reptiles with oral doses of infected copepods [12].…”

“…They were able to infect dogs but not cats with spargana recovered from wart hogs in Tanzania [12]. They were also unable to infect various amphibians and reptiles with oral doses of infected copepods [12]. Although 2 Spirometra species have been reported as being S. theileri and S. pretoriensis from South Africa and Congo, it is unknown if these Spirometra species can infect humans.…”

Chemotherapy of Tapeworm Infections in Animals

“…S. theileri in Africa uses canids as final hosts and various antelopes, buffaloes, baboons, warthogs, etc. as second intermediate hosts; amphibians and reptiles seem to play no part in this cycle (OPUNI and MULLER 1974).…”