Procercoid

The procercoid is the second[1] larval stage of some tapeworms, which typically develops inside of copepods[2] following their ingestion of the coracidium parasite structure that contains the larval oncosphere.[1] The flatworm in this stage is not enclosed in a protective cyst, but is infectious to the next intermediate host.[3] Procercoids resemble their adult forms in pathways of energy metabolism. They are basically anaerobic, lacking a complete Krebs cycle, and rely on glycolysis.[3]

  1. ^ a b Durrani MI, Basit H, Blazar E (27 June 2022). "Diphyllobothrium Latum". StatPearls. Treasure Island, Florida: StatPearls Publishing. PMID 31082015. Retrieved 29 November 2023 – via National Library of Medicine.
  2. ^ "Definition of PROCERCOID". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 2018-01-14.
  3. ^ a b Chappell, L. H. (1979). Physiology of Parasites. London: Blackie. pp. 131, 134, 139. ISBN 978-1-4684-7808-2.