False-colour scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the head (scolex) and neck of the beef tapeworm, Taenia saginata, a parasite of the human intestine

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False-colour scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the head (scolex) and neck of the beef tapeworm, Taenia saginata, a parasite of the human intestine. T. saginata is the commonest tapeworm parasite in humans, varying in length from 4-10 metres. Its larval stage develops within the muscles of cattle, and humans are infected through eating raw or undercooked beef. The presence of the worm in intestines give rise to increased appetite, hunger pains, weight loss, and general weakness. Worms are expelled from intestines using antihelminthic drugs such as niclosamide and dichlorophen. Magnification: x15 at 6x7 cm size.

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Size: 2761px × 3534px
Photo credit: © CNRI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: animal, beef, flatworm, invertebrate, invertebrates, nature, platyhelminthes, saginata, taenia, taeniasis, tapeworm, wildlife, zoology