Hymenolepis Nana

Hymenolepis nana refers to the smallest tapeworm found in human beings, and thus is also known as the dwarf tapeworm, the only cestode that does not need an intermediary to develop into its infective stage. The grain bettle, however, acts as the common intermediate host. Hymenolepis is the most common cestode of humans and can be traced wherever there are human inhabitants, particularly among children, and in temperate zones. Hymenolepiasis can be treated with two drugs – praziquantel and niclosamide, where the former acts very rapidly against the tapeworm in a single dose itself and kills both larvae and adult worms. A proper sanitation and insect/rodent control are also important for preventing the infection.