Which cestode is unique in that it can complete its entire life cycle in a single human host without requiring an intermediate host, yet can also use flour beetles or fleas as optional intermediate hosts?
- A Taenia saginata
- B Echinococcus granulosus
- C Hymenolepis nana ✓
- D Diphyllobothrium latum
Correct answer: C. Hymenolepis nana
Explanation
Hymenolepis nana (dwarf tapeworm) is unique among human cestodes in that it can complete its life cycle directly in a single human host via autoinfection or fecal-oral transmission, without an obligatory intermediate host. However, it can optionally develop in flour beetles or fleas. All other human cestodes (Taenia, Echinococcus, Diphyllobothrium) require an intermediate host obligatorily.
Reference: Paniker's Textbook of Medical Parasitology, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.