Emerg Infect Dis

Henry, Ronnie

Johann Goeze is credited with the first correct description of Taenia [Latin, “flat band” or “ribbon”] saginata [Latin, “fed”], commonly known as the beef tapeworm, in 1782. Historically, Taenia tapeworms were believed to have infected humans no more than 10,000 years ago, around the time of domestication of cows and pigs. However, more recent phylogenetic evidence suggests that ances- tors of modern humans, living on the savannahs of Africa and preying on antelope and other bovids, became colonized with Taenia >3 mil- lion years ago. Parasite definitive hosts switched from large carnivores (probably hyenas) to hominids through their common prey, and this process triggered the evolution of human-infecting species of Taenia. Humans later spread these parasites to domestic animals.

PMC5708239

Journal Article

Etymologia

Emerging Infectious Diseases