The dog tapeworm that can be accidentally transmitted to humans is which species?

The dog tapeworm that can be accidentally transmitted to humans is which species?

• A. Hymenolepis nana
• B. Dipylidium caninum
• C. Hymenolepis diminuta
• D. Taenia solium

Answer: (B)

Dipylidium caninum is the dog tapeworm that can infect humans because its life cycle relies on fleas as the intermediate host. Humans, especially children, can become accidental hosts by swallowing an infected flea, after which the worm matures in the intestine and may shed proglottids. This contrasts with Hymenolepis nana, which can spread directly between humans; Hymenolepis diminuta, which uses insects and rodents in its cycle; and Taenia solium, which is acquired from undercooked pork. So the dog tapeworm that can be transmitted to humans is Dipylidium caninum.

Dipylidium caninum is the dog tapeworm that can infect humans because its life cycle relies on fleas as the intermediate host. Humans, especially children, can become accidental hosts by swallowing an infected flea, after which the worm matures in the intestine and may shed proglottids. This contrasts with Hymenolepis nana, which can spread directly between humans; Hymenolepis diminuta, which uses insects and rodents in its cycle; and Taenia solium, which is acquired from undercooked pork. So the dog tapeworm that can be transmitted to humans is Dipylidium caninum.