rarely seen with H. nana. A predisposition to nervous disease seems to be the 
important factor in the appearance of nervous symptoms. 
The local pathological changes seem to be. slight. The elimination of a toxin 
which is absorbed by the host possibly plays an important part in the production of 
morbose phenomena. 
Diagnosis rests upon the discovery of eggs in the feces. 
Treatment is with male fern and several repetitions are frequently necessary. 
Prophylaxis consists in everything which will avoid the entrance of the eggs of 
the parasite into the mouth, as well as of insects, some of which may be able to serve 
as intermediate hosts and thus convey infection. It comprises the destruction of 
rats and mice; the protection of food from contamination by the excreta of rats; the 
exclusion of insects from the food; and general carefulness in regard to what is put 
into the mouth; especially should this last rule be enforced in the case of children, 
who commonly put into their mouths all sorts of objects, some of which, soiled by 
the excreta of infected persons or rats, may carry the eggs. 
Hymenolepis diminuta, the fiavopunctate tapeworm of man and of rats, was first 
described by Eudolphi, in 1819, from specimens collected in Brazil from rats. The 
same species was redescribed by Creplin (1825a) as Tsenia leptocephala. It was first 
described from man by Weinland (1858), who did not recognize its identity and 
called it Hymenolepis flavopimctata. 
Development occurs by means of an intermediate host, and several insects have 
been shown to act in this role; the common meal moth {Asopia farinalis), both in 
larval and adult stages, is perhaps the usual intermediate host. 
Twelve cases have been reported from man, 3 in the United States, 2 in South 
America, and the rest in Europe. 
Symptoms were practically absent in all the cases. 
Diagnosis is established by the discovery of the eggs in the feces. 
The worm seems to be easily expelled, and may pass without treatment. A simple 
cathartic has been efficient. 
Prophylaxis consists in avoiding the ingestion of any of the various insects which 
may act as intermediate hosts. 
Hymenolepis lanceolata, the lanceolate tapeworm of geese and ducks, has been 
recorded but once from man. 
