Dipylidium infection, often known as Dog and Cat Flea Tapeworm, develops when a dog or cat swallows a tapeworm larvae-infected flea. While self-grooming, a dog or cat may ingest a flea. The tapeworm larvae might mature into an adult tapeworm once the dog or cat swallows the flea. The mature tapeworm comprises several microscopic segments known as proglottids, each roughly the size of a grain of rice. As the tapeworm develops in the intestine, proglottids break off and pass into the feces. The proglottids are cream-colored and are often visible, clinging to the fur surrounding the anus of the animal.
However, humans have a relatively low likelihood of infection with this tapeworm. Dipylidium infection occurs when a person unintentionally swallows an infected flea. The majority of reported instances involve youngsters. Flea management is the most effective technique to avoid diseases in both dogs and people. Infected children will often pass proglottids in their bowel movements or discover them attached to the skin surrounding the anal region.
