Topics:
Animal Refresher, Meat Science
Causative Agent of Measly Pork
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Question (English)
Measly pork is caused by:
- Cysticercus bovis
- Cysticercus cellulosae ✓ Correct
- Coenurus cerebralis
- Trichinella spiralis
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Cysticercus cellulosae
Measly pork is caused by Cysticercus cellulosae — the larval (cysticercus) stage of the pork tapeworm Taenia solium.
Life Cycle of Taenia solium
- Definitive host: Humans (harbour adult Taenia solium in intestine)
- Intermediate host: Pigs (harbour Cysticercus cellulosae in muscles and organs)
- Transmission: Humans eat undercooked measly pork → adult tapeworm develops
Extra Danger — Human Cysticercosis
- Humans can also accidentally ingest T. solium eggs (from faecally contaminated food/water or from an infected human), becoming intermediate hosts.
- Larvae then lodge in the brain, eyes, muscles → Neurocysticercosis (most common preventable cause of epilepsy worldwide).
Quick Comparison Table
- Measly beef → Cysticercus bovis → Taenia saginata → cattle intermediate host
- Measly pork → Cysticercus cellulosae → Taenia solium → pig intermediate host
Why Pork was Forbidden in Jewish and Islamic Law
One important reason is the risk of Taenia solium infection through poorly cooked pork — a very practical historical food safety measure.
📚 About this Topic — Animal Refresher
This multiple choice question is from Animal Refresher, Meat Science. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Refresher to strengthen your preparation.
