Infectious Disease Compendium

Dipylidium caninum

Microbiology

Cestode, a dog tapeworm.

Epidemiology

Humans can become infected by D. caninum by accidentally eating an infected flea.  Those who eat fleas on purpose are safe? Quite rare.

Syndromes

Occasionally gastrointestinal symptoms: diarrhea, cramps, etc.

Treatment

Niclosamide 2 g po x 1 or praziquantel 5 - 10 mg/kg po x 1.

Notes

Last update: 05/05/18