ANCHYLOSTOMIASIS Meaning and
Definition
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Anchylostomiasis is a medical condition caused by infection with parasitic worms known as hookworms. The term is derived from the Greek word "anchylos," meaning crooked or hooked, and "stoma," meaning mouth, which refers to the characteristic mouthparts of the hookworms.
Hookworms belong to the Nematode family and are commonly found in warm and subtropical regions, where poor sanitation and unhygienic conditions are prevalent. The two main species of hookworms that typically cause anchylostomiasis in humans are Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale.
Infection with these hookworms occurs when larvae penetrate the skin, usually through contact with contaminated soil or feces. They then migrate through various organs until reaching the small intestine, where they mature and attach themselves to the intestinal wall, causing damage and feeding on the host's blood.
Symptoms of anchylostomiasis can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, anemia, and, in severe cases, malnutrition and cognitive impairment, particularly in children.
Prevention and treatment of anchylostomiasis involve improving sanitation and hygiene practices, such as wearing shoes, proper disposal of human waste, and regular deworming programs. Antihelminthic medications are also commonly prescribed to eliminate the infection.
If left untreated, anchylostomiasis can lead to chronic health problems, especially in individuals with repeated or heavy infestations. Consequently, early detection and prompt treatment are crucial to prevent complications and maintain overall well-being.
Common Misspellings for ANCHYLOSTOMIASIS
- ankylostomiasis
- Ancylostomiasis
- znchylostomiasis
- snchylostomiasis
- wnchylostomiasis
- qnchylostomiasis
- abchylostomiasis
- amchylostomiasis
- ajchylostomiasis
- ahchylostomiasis
- anxhylostomiasis
- anvhylostomiasis
- anfhylostomiasis
- andhylostomiasis
- ancbylostomiasis
- ancnylostomiasis
- ancjylostomiasis
- anchtlostomiasis
- anchglostomiasis
- anchhlostomiasis
Etymology of ANCHYLOSTOMIASIS
The word "Anchylostomiasis" has its roots in Greek. The term is derived from two Greek words:
1. "Ankylos" (ἀγκύλος): This means "crooked" or "hooked".
2. "Stoma" (στόμα): This means "mouth".
The suffix "-iasis" is a medical term used to indicate a disease or pathological condition. Therefore, "Anchylostomiasis" denotes a disease or condition caused by the hookworm, which belongs to the genus "Anchylostoma". The name reflects the characteristic hook-like shape of the worm, especially its mouthparts, which enable it to latch onto the intestinal wall.
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