MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION OF TAENIA-SAGINATA ASIATICA (CYCLOPHYLLIDEA, TAENIIDAE) FROM MAN IN ASIA

In order to clarify the taxonomic status of the Taenia saginata-like t apeworm in EastAsia, the morphological characteristics of the adult an d cysticercus of classical T. saginata (American, Swiss and Poland str ains) and the Taiwan Taenia were compared in the present study. The mo rphologic characteristics of these two parasites are very similar. The protoscolex of cysticercus of the Taiwan Taenia has a sunken rostellu m while that of classical. T. saginata has only an apical pit. In addi tion, the rostellum of the Taiwan Taenia cysticercus is usually surrou nded by two rows of rudimentary hooklets. However, this structure is r arely found in classical T. saginata. Based on the results of molecula r studies and morphological characteristics, the T. sagiulata-like tap eworm in East Asia represents a subspecies of T. saginata, named T. sa ginata asiatica.