diphyllobothriasis

Infection with the cestode Diphyllobothrium latum; human infection is caused by ingestion of raw or inadequately cooked fish infected with the plerocercoid larva. Leukocytosis and eosinophilia may occur; if the worm is high enough in the alimentary canal, it may preempt the supply of vitamin B₁₂ or alter its absorption, leading to hyperchromic macrocytic anemia resembling pernicious anemia, although the condition is rare, even in hyperendemic areas. SYN: bothriocephaliasis.

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di·phyl·lo·both·ri·a·sis (.)dī-.fil-ō-bäth-'rī-ə-səs n, pl -a·ses -.sēz infestation with or disease caused by the fish tapeworm (Diphyllobothrium latum)

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n.

an infestation of the intestine with the broad tapeworm, Diphyllobothrium, which sometimes causes nausea, malnutrition, diarrhoea, and anaemia resulting from impaired absorption of vitamin B₁₂ through the gut. The infestation, common in Baltic countries, is contracted following ingestion of uncooked fish infected with the larval stage of the tapeworm. The tapeworm can be expelled from the gut with the anthelmintic mepacrine.

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di·phyl·lo·both·ri·a·sis (di-fil″o-both-riґə-sis) infection with tapeworms of the genus Diphyllobothrium, seen most often in fish-eating mammals such as cats, dogs, and bears. Human infection usually follows the eating of inadequately cooked fish and may have a clinical picture like that of pernicious anemia.