Question

Identify the definitive and intermediate host of the Taenia solium.

• A. Pig
• B. Human
• C. Fly
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Human

Taenia solium is a pathogen that causes Taeniasis. It enters the human body due to consumption of uncooked pork. An intermediate host is an organism that supports the immature form of a parasite. When humans ingest the eggs, the oncosphere (immature state of the pathogen) pierces through the intestinal walls and travels through the circulatory system. It then gets planted in the subcutaneous and intramuscular tissues of the brain and eyes leading to the development of Cysticercosis which damages the central nervous system, vision, and brain functions. Thus the correct answer is option D.