Rodentolepis and Hymenolepis Infestations

Several species of animals, including mice, rats, ham­sters, humans, and nonhuman primates, may acquire tapeworms including Rodentolepis nana (formerly Hyme- nolepis nana), Rodentolepis microstoma, and H.

H. diminuta infestations, an intermediate host, such as beetles or fleas, is essential for the completion of the life cycle. Eggs can be shown in the feces to confirm the diagnosis. In heavy infestations, there may be poor weight gain and sometimes, catarrhal enteritis. See Chapter 3 Hamster, “Fig. 3.23 and 3.24” for figures of these tapeworms in tissue sections.