CYSTICERCOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Cysticercosis is a parasitic infection that is caused by the larvae of a tapeworm known as Taenia solium. This condition primarily affects humans and occurs when the larvae migrate from the intestines, where the adult tapeworm resides, to various tissues and organs in the body.
In cysticercosis, the larvae develop into cysts filled with fluid and are typically found in the muscles, brain, eyes, spinal cord, and other body tissues. These cysts can cause a range of symptoms depending on their location, size, and number. Common symptoms may include seizures, headaches, muscle pain, blurred vision, neurological abnormalities, and in severe cases, even death.
The infection is primarily transmitted through the ingestion of undercooked pork infected with T. solium eggs. Once ingested, the eggs hatch within the intestines and the larvae cross the intestinal wall, subsequently spreading throughout the body via the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
Cysticercosis is prevalent in regions where sanitation and hygiene are suboptimal, and pork consumption is common. Diagnosis of this condition may involve imaging studies, blood tests, and in some cases, tissue biopsies. Treatment typically includes anti-parasitic medication, such as albendazole or praziquantel, along with symptomatic management.
Prevention of cysticercosis involves proper cooking of pork, improved sanitation practices, and effective treatment of infected individuals and carriers. Public health education and awareness campaigns are essential for reducing the incidence and spread of this parasitic infection.
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Invasion of the body by the larva of Taenia solium.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CYSTICERCOSIS
- cysticercuss
- xysticercosis
- vysticercosis
- fysticercosis
- dysticercosis
- ctsticercosis
- cgsticercosis
- chsticercosis
- custicercosis
- c7sticercosis
- c6sticercosis
- cyaticercosis
- cyzticercosis
- cyxticercosis
- cydticercosis
- cyeticercosis
- cywticercosis
- cysricercosis
- cysficercosis
- cysgicercosis
Etymology of CYSTICERCOSIS
The word "cysticercosis" has its roots in Latin and Greek.
The term "cysticercosis" comes from the Latin word "cysticercus", which means "bladder or cyst-like worm". This Latin term is derived from the Greek words "kystis", meaning "bladder or cyst", and "kerkos", meaning "tail".
The word "cysticercus" refers to the larval stage of the tapeworm Taenia solium, which causes cysticercosis. This parasitic infection occurs when the larvae of the tapeworm settle down in various tissues of the human body, forming cysts. The term "cysticercosis" is used to describe the condition caused by these cysts.
Similar spelling word for CYSTICERCOSIS
