Abstract
The effects of nutrients on infectivity and growth of Spirometra erinaceiuropaei were investigated in 48 beagle dogs (body weights 8.0-12.4 kg, ages 29 30 months) divided into 4 groups of 12 dogs each. The feed of the first group was rich in proteins, that of the second in glucose, and thatof the third in lipids. The fourth group (control) was given commercial feed. Each of the animals received 3 plerocerecoids of Spirometra erinaceieuropaei. The dogs were sacrificed at 5-day intervals snd examined todetermine numbers and growth of tapeworms in each group. Levels of both were significantly higher in animalsgiven commercial feed or glucose. These results suggest that glucose in feed may play an important role inthe growth of S. erinaceieuropaei in dogs.
