Natural infection of the gerbil Meriones lybicus with the metacestode of Taenia endothoracicus in Arak, central Iran.

Polycephalic larvae of Taenia endothoracicus were found from naturally infected gerbils Meriones lybicus in a rural area of Arak, central Iran. A large cyst containing 19 protoscolices was located in the peritoneum, attached to the large omentum. The characteristics of the protoscolices and rostellar hooks confirmed the identification of these larvae as T. endothoracicus.