Cysticercus cellulosae infection in rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta)

Metacestode infected cardiac tissue of a rhesus monkey collected during postmortem examination was received for specific identification. Fluid field cysts were removed from the surrounding musculature and subjected to gross and microscopic examination. Grossly, the cysts were pear shaped creamy white and measured between 8-10mm by 4-5mm with a well defined fluid containing bladder. Microscopic examination of the Borex carmine stained cystic structure revealed a bladder worm with a fully developed invaginated scolex resembling that of an adult Taenia solium. The scolex had 4 suckers and alternatively arranged circle of small (outer) and large (inner) sickle shaped hooks measuring 120/12 mm and 150/18 mm, respectively, on the rostellum. Based on above morphological features, the metacestode was identified as Cysticercus cellulosae, the larval stage of Taenia solium.