The order Diphyllobothriidea is a unique group of tapeworms in terms of the wide spectrum of definitive hosts involving all groups of tetrapods including man. They are almost globally distributed in both freshwater and marine ecosystems, but there are also terrestrial species. It is very difficult to identify species of diphyllobothriid cestodes to the species level. Morphology of the eggs might represent a new method in the differential diagnosis of these parasites. Besides the size and shape of the eggs, the structure of egg surface might play a significant role in the determination of different taxa. For the analysis of these characteristics Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used. Experimental infections in hamsters and man were done.

Morphological-taxonomical study of gryporhynchid cestodes from Africa is presented. New material from Kenya, Senegal and Sudan was studied and we belong to 17 species in 8 orders - Amirthalingamia macracantha (Joyeux et Baer, 1935) Bray, 1974; Anomotaenia riccii (Fuhrmann et Baer, 1943) Baer et Bona, 1960; Cyclustera magna (Baer, 1959) Bona, 1975; Cyclustera sp.; Dendrouterina macrosphincter (Fuhrmann, 1909) Baer et Bona, 1960; Neogryporhynchus sp.; Paradilepis lloydi (Southwell, 1926) Spasski, 1954; Paradilepis maleki (Khalil, 1961); Paradilepis urceina Bona, 1975; Paradilepis urceus (Wedl, 1855) Joyeux et Baer, 1950; Parvitaenia macrocoleo Bona, 1975; Parvitaenia macropeos (Wedl, 1855) Baer et Bona, 1960; Parvitaenia megascolecina Bona, 1975; Parvitaenia purpurea Johri, 1959; Parvitaenia samfyia Mettrick, 1967; Valipora ardeolae (Singh, 1952) Baer et Bona, 1960 and Valipora mutabilis (Linton, 1927). Known larval stages and adults from Africa are presented in review of species.