The procercoid is the second1 larval stage of some tapeworms, which typically develops inside of copepods2 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
References
References
- 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.
- "Definition of PROCERCOID". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 2018-01-14.
- Chappell, L. H. (1979). Physiology of Parasites. London: Blackie. pp. 131, 134, 139. ISBN 978-1-4684-7808-2.