Dipylidium caninum


Dip·y·lid·i·um ca·ni·num

(dip'i-lid'ē-ŭm kā-nī'nŭm), The commonest species of dog tapeworm, the double-pored tapeworm, the larvae of which are harbored by dog fleas or lice; the worm occasionally infects humans, especially children licked by dogs that have recently nipped infected fleas. [G. dipylos, with two entrances; L. ntr. of caninus, pertaining to canis, dog]

Dipylidium caninum

A dog and cat tapeworm which infects infants and children; it may be under-diagnosed, as motile egg-containing proglottids can be misinterpreted as pinworms or vegetable matter in a routine ova and parasite test in microbiology.

Dip·y·lid·i·um ca·ni·num

(dip-lid'ē-ŭm kā-nī'nŭm) The most common species of dog tapeworm, the double-pored tapeworm, the larvae of which are harbored by dog fleas or lice; the worm occasionally infects humans. [G. dipylos, with two entrances; L. ntr. of caninus, pertaining to canis, dog]

Dipylidium caninum

A short tapeworm of dogs and cats with the flea or louse as intermediate host. Children are occasionally infected when they swallow dog or cat fleas. Segments of the worm are seen in the stools.