NEW LOWER PRICES - ACT FAST
Medicine (MD/DO)
/
Courses
/
Microbiology
/
Cestodes (Tapeworms)
/
Diphyllobothrium Latum

Master Diphyllobothrium Latum with Picmonic

Conquer the fish tapeworm (diphyllobothrium latum) with Picmonic. Our captivating characters, audio stories, and built-in quizzes help you master this parasite's lifecycle and effective treatment methods. Learn with confidence and ensure patient well-being.

DOWNLOAD PDF
Diphyllobothrium Latum

Diphyllobothrium Latum

Dolphin-bottom L
Picmonic
Diphyllobothrium latum is a parasitic infection classified as a tapeworm, or cestode. It occurs through the ingestion of larvae from raw freshwater fish, and leads to macrocytic anemia in patients. This occurs because this tapeworm competes for B12 with the host in the intestines. The preferred treatment for diphyllobothrium latum infection is praziquantel.
5 KEY FACTS
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Cestode (Tapeworm)
Crest-toad with Tapeworm

Diphyllobothrium latum is a cestode, or tapeworm.

Ingestion of Larvae from Raw Fish
Raw Fish

Patients become infected with diphyllobothrium after ingesting larvae from raw fish.

Competes for Vitamin B12
Competing with (12) Dozen Viking (B) Bees

Roughly 80% of patients infected are asymptomatic and can go for years without having their infection detected. The parasite then absorbs up to 80% or more of the host's B12 intake, which leads to megaloblastic anemia.

Megaloblastic Anemia
Mega-blast Anemone

The B12 deficiency in patients can lead to megaloblastic anemia, which is indistinguishable from pernicious anemia. This megaloblastic anemia can also translate into subtle demyelinative neurological symptoms.

TREATMENT
Praziquantel
Pretzel-queen

The standard treatment for this infection is praziquantel, but it should be noted that this treatment regimen is not FDA-approved.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Recommended Picmonics

picmonic thumbnail
Loa Loa
picmonic thumbnail
Pinworm (Enterobius Vermicularis)
picmonic thumbnail
Taenia Solium
picmonic thumbnail
Onchocerca Volvulus
picmonic thumbnail
Strongyloides Stercoralis

Take the Diphyllobothrium Latum Quiz

Picmonic's rapid review multiple-choice quiz allows you to assess your knowledge.

It's worth every penny

Our Story Mnemonics Increase Mastery and Retention

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Unforgettable characters with concise but impactful videos (2-4 min each)

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Ace Your Medicine (MD/DO) Classes & Exams with Picmonic:

Over 1,980,000 students use Picmonic’s picture mnemonics to improve knowledge, retention, and exam performance.

Choose the #1 Medicine (MD/DO) student study app.

Picmonic for Medicine (MD/DO) covers information that is relevant to your entire Medicine (MD/DO) education. Whether you’re studying for your classes or getting ready to conquer the USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 CK, COMLEX Level 1, or COMLEX Level 2, we’re here to help.

Works better than traditional Medicine (MD/DO) flashcards.

Research shows that students who use Picmonic see a 331% improvement in memory retention and a 50% improvement in test scores.