H. diminuta, the rat tapeworm, has a life cycle similar to the indirect cycle of Hymenolepis nana Hymenolepis nana (Dwarf Tapeworm) Infection Hymenolepis nana, a tiny intestinal tapeworm, is one of the most common human cestodes; the life cycle does not require an intermediate host. Infection is treated with praziquantel or... read more in grain insects. H. diminuta is 20 to 60 cm in length. Human infection is usually asymptomatic, it but can cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms.
Diagnosis is by finding characteristic eggs in stool.
Treatment of Hymenolepis diminuta Infection
Praziquantel
Alternatively, nitazoxanide or, outside the US, niclosamide
H. diminuta infection is effectively treated with
Praziquantel 25 mg/kg orally once
Alternatives include nitazoxanide and niclosamide (not available in the US).
For nitazoxanide, dosage is
For patients > 11 years: 500 mg orally 2 times a day for 3 days
For children aged 4 to 11 years: 200 mg orally 2 times a day for 3 days
For children aged 1 to 4 years: 100 mg orally 2 times a day for 3 days
For niclosamide, dosage is
For adults: 2 g orally once/day for 7 days
For children > 34 kg: 1.5 g in a single dose on day 1, then 1 g once/day for 6 days
For children 11 to 34 kg: 1 g in a single dose on day 1, then 500 mg once/day for 6 days
A stool sample should be repeated one month after therapy is completed to verify cure.
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Drug Name | Select Trade |
|---|---|
praziquantel |
Biltricide |
nitazoxanide |
Alinia |
