There are several species of tapeworms, and each uses a different intermediate host to infect a pet. Fleas, small rodents, rabbits or larger animals such as deer and sheep are the hosts that transmit the worms to dogs or cats. Pets infected with tapeworms do not normally lose weight or display symptoms of illness.
The Glut1 protein is also found in red blood cells (erythrocytes). Testing is available on a clinical basis to assess erythrocyte glucose transporter activity, which is reduced by approximately 50 percent in individuals with Glut1 deficiency syndrome.
The symptoms of Glut1 deficiency syndrome result from abnormalities of glucose transport to the brain. Glucose is a simple sugar and is the main source of fuel for brain metabolism. The SLC2A1 gene contains instructions for creating (encoding) a protein known as glucose transporter type 1 (Glut1). Mutations of the SLC2A1 gene result in low levels of functional Glut1.