Dipylidium caninum in a 4-month old male

Tabitha Taylor; Michele Zitzmann

doi:10.29074/ascls.24.4.212

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Tabitha Taylor, MLS(ASCP)^CM
1. LSUHSC Dept. of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, New Orleans, LA
Michele Zitzmann, MHS, MLS(ASCP)^CM⇑
1. LSUHSC Dept. of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, New Orleans, LA

Address for Correspondence: Michele Zitzmann, MHS, MLS(ASCP)^CM, LSUHSC Dept. of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 1900 Gravier Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, (504) 568-4276, mzitzm{at}lsuhsc.edu

Abstract

Dipylidium caninum, known as the double-pored dog tapeworm, is a parasite that commonly infects dogs and cats worldwide. Humans may be an accidental host if the infective stage, the cysticercoid larva, is ingested.^1,2 Although rare, it is more commonly seen in infants and children.^2-5 This case study involves an infant misdiagnosed with pinworm infection twice before a laboratory evaluation was able to confirm Dipylidium caninum. Accurate diagnosis is important, as treatment for pinworm infection will not eliminate Dipylidium caninum.