Comparative molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of cerebral and non-cerebral coenurosis in Indian goats.

Coenurus cerebralis is the larval stage of Taenia multiceps, which infects the muscles and brain of goats and, to a lesser extent, sheep. The resulting cerebral and non-cerebral infections caused by the larval form (metacestode) of this cestode are commonly known as coenurosis. A weak emaciated carcass of five months old female goat, on necropsy, revealed numerous parasitic cysts (n = 56, grossly visible) in the visceral cavity including heart, diaphragm, thoracic cavity, abdominal cavity and pelvic inlet.