Which intermediary host is involved in Dipylidium caninum infection in dogs?

Which intermediary host is involved in Dipylidium caninum infection in dogs?

• A. Fleas
• B. Ticks
• C. Mites
• D. Flies

Answer: (A)

Understanding how Dipylidium caninum is transmitted helps explain why fleas are the intermediary host. This tapeworm relies on an intermediate host to complete its life cycle. The dog becomes infected by swallowing an infected flea (most commonly the dog flea, a flea larva carrying the cysticercoid stage) during grooming. Inside the flea, the parasite develops to an infective form. When the dog ingests the flea, the cysticercoid is released in the intestine and grows into the adult tapeworm. Fleas are the usual vehicle for this infection, whereas ticks, mites, and flies do not participate in Dipylidium caninum’s life cycle.

Understanding how Dipylidium caninum is transmitted helps explain why fleas are the intermediary host. This tapeworm relies on an intermediate host to complete its life cycle. The dog becomes infected by swallowing an infected flea (most commonly the dog flea, a flea larva carrying the cysticercoid stage) during grooming. Inside the flea, the parasite develops to an infective form. When the dog ingests the flea, the cysticercoid is released in the intestine and grows into the adult tapeworm. Fleas are the usual vehicle for this infection, whereas ticks, mites, and flies do not participate in Dipylidium caninum’s life cycle.