Epidemiological and clinical characteristic of Hymenolepis diminuta infection – review of current literature

Hymenolepis diminuta (rat tapeworm) is widespread worldwide, though in comparison to H. nana it is less frequent in humans (accidental host). The definite hosts, as well as the natural reservoir of H. diminuta, are small rodents. Literature on the subject reports that the predisposition to infestation with this tape-worm mainly concerns small children and adults from a poor socioeconomic background. The epidemiological data presented in this article provide the lastest scientific information on the prevalence of this parasite, the course of hymenolepiasis, as well as the treatment method. Owing to the low prevalence of hymenolepiasis in humans, the diagnosis, analysis and description of the course of the disease in humans provides new and crucial information on H. diminuta infection.