Parasitology Training Manual

Hymenolepis nana

• Abbreviation: Hn
• Common name: Dwarf tapeworm, about 20 mm long
• Egg size: 44 - 82 microns
• Two membranes enclose an embryo with 6 hooklets.
• Polar filaments extend from opposite ends of the inner membrane
• The scolex of the adult worm has 4 suckers and a single row of hooks.

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H. nana Life Cycle

Adult worms in the intestine of man release eggs from ruptured proglottids.These eggs are ingested by man or remain and hatch in the intestine. An oncosphere hatches and penetrates the intestinal villi. A cercocystis develops then ruptures. The scolex released attaches itself to the intestinal mucosa and develops to adult.

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