In vitro Cultivation of Tapeworms. II. Growth and Maintenance of Hymenolepis nana (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea)

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Abstract
The rodent tapeworm Hymenolepis nana was successfully grown in vitro from the cysti-cercoid stage in beetles to adults containing infective eggs. Eggs obtained from worms grown in vitro were fed to beetles, and normal infective cysticercoids were recovered. The culture method for growing H. nana in vitro is based on a recirculating continuous-flow principle. A controlled medium-gas-phase pumping system continually recirculates medium over the worms. The culture apparatus and culture procedures are presented in detail. Requirements for the in vitro maintenance of H. nana in relation to media, temperature, pH, and gas phase are given and contrasted with H. diminuta. Growth and development of worms in vitro and in vivo are compared.
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