Joyeuxiella Species

This tapeworm genus contains species (e.g., J. pasqualei, J. chyzeri) parasitizing in dogs, cats, and wild carnivores, which have a similar life cycle like that of Dipylidium caninum. These species belong to the group of Cyclophyllidea (Dilepididae). Their scolex is provided with 4 suckers and a protrudable cylindric rostellum, which bears thorn-like hooks. Intermediate hosts are coprophagous beetles and eventually reptiles (as transport hosts). The excreted egg packages contain only a single egg instead of the 8–30 eggs which occur in egg packages of Dipylidium caninum. Joyeuxiella worms are worldwide distributed in countries with warm temperatures. The proglottids of these species contain two sets of sexual organs (Fig. 1). The terminal proglottids are filled with a saclike structure containing the egg packages (Fig. 2).

Joyeuxiella Species, Fig. 1

Light micrograph of the central strobila of Joyeuxiella pascualei showing the double mature sexual organs (Prof. Dr. Schuster, Dubai)