Anoplocephala manubriata

Anoplocephala manubriata is a host-specific tapeworm, or cestode, that parasitizes African (Loxodonta africana) and Asian (Elephas maximus) elephants. These parasites require intermediate and definitive hosts to complete its life cycle. A. manubriata causes gastrointestinal inflammation in elephants. When ingested in the elephant, the cestode is attached to the intestinal mucosae. The life cycle of A. manubriata have not been completely elucidated, however studies have shown through examining oribatid mites from a dung pile near an elephant site that an immature stage exists. The study concluded at least five species were contained at least one immature life stage of the cestode.

Studies have shown that Anoplocephala manubriata is closely related to another Anoplocephala species called Anoplocephala perfoliata, which is a host-specific tapeworm to horses. Phylogenetic analysis of the second internal transcribed spacer region (ITS-2), a portion of the 28S region and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COX1) genes verified its relationship. Asian elephants have a high prevalence for Strongylidae and Anoplocephala spp. infection.