Cysticercus

Originally described as a genus of bladderworms, now known to be the encysted larvae of various taenioid tapeworms; the generic name is, however, retained as a convenience in referring to the larval encysted forms. See c.. SYN: bladderworm. [G. kystis, bladder, + kerkos, tail]

- C. bovis the c. larva of Taenia saginata in cattle; the cause of measly beef.

- C. cellulosae the c. larva of Taenia solum in pigs; also the cause of human cysticercosis.

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cys·ti·cer·cus -'sər-kəs n, pl -cer·ci -'sər-.sī, -.kī a tapeworm larva that consists of a fluid-filled sac containing an invaginated scolex, is situated in the tissues of an intermediate host, and is capable of developing into an adult tapeworm when eaten by a suitable definitive host called also bladder worm, measle

cys·ti·cer·cal -'sər-kəl adj

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n.

a larval stage of some tapeworm in which the scolex and neck are invaginated into a large fluid-filled cyst. The cysts develop in the muscles or brain of the host following ingestion of tapeworm eggs. See cysticercosis.

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Cys·ti·cer·cus (sis″tĭ-surґkəs) [Gr. kystis bladder + kerkos tail] a former genus of larval forms of tapeworms of the genus Taenia.