Etiology: Rodentolepis nana is the dwarf tapeworm capable of infecting mice.

Transmission: 

Indirect cycle: Transmission occurs by ingestion of infected tissues of intermediate hosts (fleas, flour beetles, cockroaches). The prepatent period is 18 – 20 days.

Direct cycle: Transmission occurs by ingestion of infective eggs.  The prepatent period is 10 – 20 days.

Public Health Significance:  R. nana is a documented zoonotic parasite.

Please see the mouse Parasitic Diseases section for more detailed information.