ANGIOSTRONGYLUS Meaning and
Definition
-
Angiostrongylus is a genus of parasitic nematodes, commonly known as lungworms, belonging to the family Angiostrongylidae. These are a type of roundworms that primarily infect mammals, particularly rodents, but can also infect other animals including dogs, cats, and humans.
The name "Angiostrongylus" is derived from the Greek words "angeion," meaning vessel, and "strongylus," meaning a roundworm. This is indicative of the parasite's anatomical features, as it primarily resides in the blood vessels and tissues of its hosts.
Infection with Angiostrongylus typically occurs when animals consume infected intermediate hosts such as snails, slugs, or other creatures that have previously ingested the parasite's larvae. Once ingested, the larvae migrate to the bloodstream, where they are then carried to various organs, particularly the lungs, resulting in a range of clinical symptoms.
In rodents, Angiostrongylus infections generally cause little harm and may go unnoticed, but in other animals and humans, the parasite can cause severe health complications. The symptoms of an Angiostrongylus infection can include respiratory distress, coughing, chest pain, fever, and in some cases, neurological symptoms. In humans, Angiostrongylus infections can be associated with a condition known as eosinophilic meningitis, characterized by inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.
Preventing Angiostrongylus infections involves minimizing exposure to intermediate hosts, such as by avoiding areas populated by infected snails or slugs and properly washing fruits and vegetables. Treatment for Angiostrongylus infections in animals and humans typically involves medication to target the parasite and supportive care to alleviate symptoms and promote recovery.
Common Misspellings for ANGIOSTRONGYLUS
- zngiostrongylus
- sngiostrongylus
- wngiostrongylus
- qngiostrongylus
- abgiostrongylus
- amgiostrongylus
- ajgiostrongylus
- ahgiostrongylus
- anfiostrongylus
- anviostrongylus
- anbiostrongylus
- anhiostrongylus
- anyiostrongylus
- antiostrongylus
- anguostrongylus
- angjostrongylus
- angkostrongylus
- angoostrongylus
- ang9ostrongylus
- ang8ostrongylus
Etymology of ANGIOSTRONGYLUS
The word "Angiostrongylus" is a term coined from two Greek roots: "angio" meaning vessel, and "strongylus" meaning roundworm.
"Angio" comes from the Greek word "angeion" which means vessel or container. In this context, it refers to blood vessels.
"Strongylus" comes from the Greek word "strongylos" which means round and is often used to describe a round or cylindrical shape. In this case, it refers to the roundworm, which has a long, tubular body.
So, "Angiostrongylus" literally means "vessel roundworm" or "roundworm of the blood vessels", which accurately reflects the parasitic nature of the organism, as it primarily affects blood vessels in its host.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
