Difference Between Taenia solium and Taenia saginata | Free Biology Notes

Today, we’ll learn the difference between taenia solium and taenia saginata.

Difference Between Taenia solium and Taenia saginata

Taenia solium:

The pork tapeworm, primarily infects pigs.
Humans become infected when they consume raw or undercooked pork meat containing the larvae.
Taenia solium eggs are excreted in human faeces. If proper sanitation precautions are not taken, the eggs can contaminate the environment and spread infection.
Taenia solium larvae have the ability to migrate to other tissues and organs in the human body, including the brain, resulting in a condition known as neurocysticercosis.
Taenia solium infection can cause abdominal pain, nausea, weight loss, and digestive problems. Seizures, headaches, and neurological problems can result from neurocysticercosis.

Taenia saginata (Taenia saginata):

They are also known as beef tapeworms because they primarily infect cattle.
Humans become infected when they consume raw or undercooked beef meat containing the larvae.
Taenia saginata eggs are not contagious to humans. Cattle consume them, and the larvae develop in the muscle tissue of infected animals.
Taenia saginata larvae do not migrate extensively in the human body, unlike Taenia solium. They are mostly found in the intestines.
Taenia saginata infection can cause abdominal pain, digestive problems, and weight loss. However, it does not usually result in neurocysticercosis or extensive larval migration.

Read More:

Taenia solium Diagram, Structure and Reproduction