[3] Usually, the definitive hosts for M. moniliformis are rodents, cats, dogs and red foxes (in Poland); human infestations are rare.

The cystacanth, or infective acanthella, of M. moniliformis are cyst-shaped and encyst in the tissues of the intermediate hosts.

After this time, the eggs are excreted with the feces, to be ingested yet again by another intermediate host and renew this cycle.

It is thought that this behavioral change holds an evolutionary advantage for the parasite by increasing its chances of getting to its definitive host.

[6] Another study concludes an increased vulnerability of infected Periplaneta americana due to increased phototaxis, more time spent moving (due to slower movement) and movement in response to light (uninfected cockroaches hesitated before moving).

In 1888 in Italy, Salvatore Calandruccio [it] infected himself by ingesting larvae, reported gastrointestinal disturbances, and then shed the eggs in two weeks.

Calandruccio provided the first description of the clinical manifestations of acanthocephaliasis and similar accounts are found in the few case studies since; many of the patients described were asymptomatic.

When they showed symptoms, they normally experienced abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, edema, and anorexia.

The proper diagnosis of acanthocephaliasis in humans is made through fecal analysis, which, if the host is infested, should contain adult worms or eggs.

To obtain the worms from the host, piperazine citrate, levamisole and bithionol can be administered to the patient.

[5][9] Because the only way of developing acanthocephaliasis is through ingesting the intermediate hosts, the most effective means of prevention is avoiding the consumption of uncooked beetles and cockroaches.