Cysticerus
Cysticercus refers to a tapeworm larva which has a sac filled with fluid that contains scolex which is invaginated. It is normally located within the immediate host tissues, with the capability of developing into mature tapeworm when a desirable host feeds on it ("Cysticercus | Definition of Cysticercus by Merriam-Webster."). Cysticerci are responsible for causing an infection known as cysticercosis. There are several species of cysticerci. The two common species of cysticercus are Tanenia solium whose larva is known as Cysticercus cellulosae. It develops in the swine muscles frequently. The second species is the Taeniarhynchus saginatus. Its larva is known as Cysticercus bovis. It normally develops in cattle muscles. Humans are also intermediate hosts of cysticercus and can contract cysticercosis.
Studies have shown that these parasitic species are primarily localized in muscles and develop in the muscles lymphatic network. Other secondary locations inside the body have been attributed by the parasites adaptations (Šlais 120). For instance, Cysticercus cellulosae is sometimes located in other tissues other than muscles in humans. Despite the fact that they can be localized elsewhere, their specificity still remains at these locations where the arrest of oncophores takes place. The arrest of oncophores depends on two factors. One factor involves the size of the oncophores arrested while the other factor involves blood vessels anatomy on the intermediate hosts. The oncophores in Tanenia solium are about 20 micrometers while the oncophores of Taeniarhynchus saginatus are approximately 27 micrometers.
All the species of cystisterci live within the fluid. Cysticercus pisiformis, Cysticercus tenuicollis and Cysticercus crassiceps usually develop within fluids in body cavities covered by the mesothelial lining. Cysticercus bovis and Cysticercus cellulosae mostly adapt elsewhere. The development of cysticercus and its bladder growth is facilitated by the body cavities that are spacious. For instance, this has been seen in the size of Cysticercus tenuicollis, whose growth size depends on the abdominal cavity of elk (Šlais 120). As the volume of cysticerci increase, it is usually protected from the surrounding pressure by its bladder. The shape of Cysticercus cellulosae and Cysticerus bovis is very dependent on their growth environment.
Tissue reaction to cysticerci corresponds that a pathogen in the body, which stimulates the formation of connective tissue capsules. The connective tissue of Cysticercus pisiformis and Cysticercus tenuicollis are the same as those formed due to foreign bodies in the abdominal cavity. When cysticerci surround the connective tissues, immunological reactions occur in hosts. For instance, degenerating or dying cysticerci cause inflammation reactions. According to A Handbook of Prenatal Diagnosis Reproductive Genetics, subarachnoidal cysticerci usually form cysts or clumps within the body that eventually lead to tumor-like effects (27). This has been seen in racemose cysticercosis.
Looking at the histochemical and histological structure of cysticercus bladder, it is an important organ of the larva and aids the development of cysticercus in their host. Its bladder is analogous to the trophoblast of a human embryo. This causes complications or results that are not satisfying in the immunological investigation of it. However, partial antigens preparations can provide satisfying facts when they are separated using morphological criteria. This is very beneficial in bovine cysticercosis diagnosis as it can be utilized to curb and eradicate taeniarhynchosis in humans. Most cysticercosis cases in humans occur in the eyes. Cysticerci in the eyes are usually found in subretinal tissues, but can also be found in the anterior chamber and extraocular muscles.
Works Cited
A Handbook of Prenatal Diagnosis Reproductive Genetics. New Delhi: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers, 1998. Print.
"Cysticercus | Definition of Cysticercus by Merriam-Webster." Dictionary and Thesaurus | Merriam-Webster. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2016.
Šlais, Jaroslav. The Morphology and Pathogenicity of the Bladder Worms: Cysticercus Cellulosae and Cysticercus Bovis. N.p., 1970. Print.
