hymenolepiasis, heavy infestation by Hymenolepis nana, a rat tapeworm that may cause abdominal pain, bloody stools, and disorders of the nervous system, especially in children. Contaminated food spreads the disease, which is endemic in the United States. Quinacrine hydrochloride or hexylresorcinol is used to treat the infestation. Praziquantel is the drug of choice for treatment of this infection. Also called rat tapeworm infection.
