Classification:
Phylum: Platyhelminthes
Class: Cestoda
Scientific Name: Taenia mediocanellata
Common Name: Beef Tapeworm
Class: Cestoda
Scientific Name: Taenia mediocanellata
Common Name: Beef Tapeworm
General Characteristics:
Taenia saginata, or more commonly known as the beef tapeworm, is a cestode parasite acquired by humans through the ingestion of raw or poorly cooked meet of infected cows. An infected human passes the eggs of the beef tapeworm through their feces. Cattle can then become infected by eating contaminated vegetation that contains human feces with beef tapeworm eggs. Once inside the cow, the eggs mature and hatch. The larvae penetrate the intestinal wall of the cow and circulate into the musculature. Humans can become infected by the beef tapeworm if uncooked or undercooked meat containing the beef tapeworm juveniles is eaten. The juveniles develop into adults inside the small intestine of the human host and the cycle continues.
Habitat:
The beef tapeworm occurs world-wide, including the U.S. It is found in many middle-eastern countries and parts of East and West Africa as well as Central and South America. It is usually found in areas of poor sanitation where beef is commonly eaten.
Importance to Humans:
Beef tapeworms use humans as a definitive host. Infection rates for humans are highest in poor regions where unsanitary conditions are prevalent. Once diagnosed, the beef worm is able to removed from their human hosts through the use of drug therapy.
Sources:
"Taenia saginata, the Beef Tapeworm". Stanford University. Retrieved from: http://www.stanford.edu/class/humbio103/ParaSites2006/Taenia_saginata/