Sensitivity of Developing Hymenolepis diminuta Larvae to High Temperature Stress

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Abstract
Larvae of Hymenolepis diminuta growing at 30[degree] C in Tribolium confusum were exposed to temperatures of 38.5[degree] or 40[degree] C at different stages of their development. Length of exposure varied from 6 hours to 4 days in different experiments. Major indicators of sensitivity to high temperature are failure of scolex withdrawal and inhibition of infectivity of normally withdrawn larvae for the mammalian host. Experiments with temperature stress lasting 24 hours or longer showed the following: The presence of a sensitive period extending from days 2-6 of larval development with maximal sensitivity during days 3-5; this sensitive period coincides with maximal larval growth and development. Exposure during this period results in failure of scolex withdrawal of a certain number of larvae and in inhibition of infectivity of normal, withdrawn larvae. The sensitive periods for scolex withdrawal and infectivity apparently overlap but do not coincide. Exposure to high temperature, which produces abnormalities during the sensitive period, has little or no effect when applied at other times during development. Fully developed cysticercoids are not affected even by exposures which, because of long duration, always prevent infectivity in developing larva.
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