Which parasite is carried by the bite of a flea and is commonly a tapeworm species?

Which parasite is carried by the bite of a flea and is commonly a tapeworm species?

• A. Heartworm
• B. Coccidia
• C. Tapeworm
• D. Mosquito

Answer: (C)

Fleas can act as an intermediate host for certain tapeworms, most notably Dipylidium caninum. The parasite resides as a tapeworm in the animal’s intestine, and infection occurs when the animal grooms and swallows an infected flea. Once inside the gut, the tapeworm matures and begins to shed segments. This link to fleas is why the parasite described is a tapeworm. Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes, coccidia are protozoa not associated with fleas as a transmission step, and mosquitoes themselves are not responsible for transmitting tapeworm infections.

Fleas can act as an intermediate host for certain tapeworms, most notably Dipylidium caninum. The parasite resides as a tapeworm in the animal’s intestine, and infection occurs when the animal grooms and swallows an infected flea. Once inside the gut, the tapeworm matures and begins to shed segments. This link to fleas is why the parasite described is a tapeworm. Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes, coccidia are protozoa not associated with fleas as a transmission step, and mosquitoes themselves are not responsible for transmitting tapeworm infections.