cysticercosis

views updated May 14 2018

cysticercosis (sis-ti-ser-koh-sis) n. a disease caused by the presence of tapeworm larvae (see cysticercus) of the species Taenia solium in any of the body tissues. The presence of cysticerci in the muscles causes pain and weakness; in the brain the symptoms are more serious, including mental deterioration, paralysis, giddiness, epileptic attacks, and convulsions.

cysticercosis

views updated May 29 2018

cysticercosis Infection by the larval stage of tapeworms caused by ingestion of their eggs in food and water contaminated by human faeces. Normally the larval form develops in the animal host, and human beings are infected with the adult form by eating undercooked infected meat.