Studies on the post-larval development of cestodes of the genus Mesocestoides: Shedding and further development of M. lineatus and M. corti tetrathyridia in vivo

Abstract In vivo development of Mesocestoides lineatus and M. corti in cats were compared. On day 1–2 post infection, tetrathyridia of both species shed the majority of their posterior tissue. After shedding, the post-scolex region of M. lineatus grew and eventually formed a gravid strobila. The shed worm of M. corti split the scolex and body longitudinally, resulting in two worms. These split worms were classified into two types, small and large, the latter type developed to form a strobila which divided again into two individuals by splitting the scolex after it had formed a pair of new suckers. Regeneration of two new suckers was also seen in the small worm which multiplied without strobila formation by dividing longitudinally into two at the scolex as observed in the large worms. From these and previously published results, the developmental pathway during asexual multiplication of M. corti in the host intestine is discussed.